Fish Diseases and Management

2.1.7 Inflammation in higher vertebrates

Inflammation – It is a change happening in the animal due to a stressor. The cardinal signs of inflammation in the higher vertebrates are

a) Rubor (Redness). This is due to the dilation of capillaries mainly due to increase in the blood flow in blood vessels.

b) Tumor (swelling). When the capillaries are dilated the fenestrae (pore in the capillaries) size grows up allowing the largest serum protein molecules such as fibrinogen and immunoglobulin to exude into the tissues .

c) Calor (heat). This is due to increased physical activity

d) Dolore (pain). The nerve endings will be stretched which carry message and cause pain.

e) Et functio laesa (Loss of function). It happens when the integrity of the system is damaged or broken.  This is due to a combination of pawi, swelling and destruction of tissues.