Changes

'''Lumpy jaw''' is a chronic infectious condition which affects cattle. It is caused by the anaerobic filamentous bacteria [[Actinomyces bovis|''Actinomyces bovis'']]  

'''Lumpy jaw''' is a chronic infectious condition which affects cattle. It is caused by the anaerobic filamentous bacteria [[Actinomyces bovis|''Actinomyces bovis'']]  

Actinomyces is a normal commensal of the oral cavity and upper respiratory tract of cattle, it gains entry to underlying soft tissue when the mucosa is damaged by trauma or eruption of teeth.

Actinomyces is a normal commensal of the oral cavity and upper respiratory tract of cattle, it gains entry to underlying soft tissue when the mucosa is damaged by trauma or eruption of teeth.

Lesions are charcterised by gross swelling, abscesses and draining fistulae overlying granulation of the madible and maxila.  

Lesions are charcterised by gross swelling, abscesses and draining fistulae overlying granulation of the madible and maxila. In some cases the [[Oesophagus|oesophagus]] and [[Oesophageal groove|oesophageal groove]] may become involoved but the lymph nodes not affected.   

==Signalment==

==Signalment==

The condition affects cattle 2-5 yrs old, those that are exposed to sharp objects whilst feeding and when the teeth are erupting. It is found worldwide but is most prevelent in Western and mid-western states of the USA.   

The condition affects cattle''' 2-5 yrs''' old, those that are exposed to sharp objects whilst feeding and when the teeth are erupting. It is found worldwide but is most prevelent in Western and mid-western states of the USA.   

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==

The condition is easily diagnosed on clinical signs and can be confirmed by crushing and staining the yellow granules expressed with the pus from skin leisions to reveal gram-positive filamentous rods.   

The condition is easily diagnosed on clinical signs and can be confirmed by crushing and staining the yellow granules expressed with the pus from skin leisions to reveal '''gram-positive filamentous rods'''.   

    

    

===Clinical signs===

===Clinical signs===

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

Treatment is difficult due to the nature of the leisions and poor antibiotic penetration to the site of infection.

Treatment is difficult due to the nature of the lesions and poor antibiotic penetration to the site of infection.

In less severe cases where infection of the bones is not advanced treatment with penicillin or tetracyclines is recommended. Previously it has been sugested that systemic treatment with potassium iodide is successful but this is no longer recommended due to food safety concerns.     

In less severe cases where infection of the bones is not advanced treatment with penicillin or tetracyclines is recommended. Previously it has been sugested that systemic treatment with potassium iodide is successful but this is no longer recommended due to food safety concerns.     

==Prognosis==

==Prognosis==

Treatment is rarely successful and recurrence of leisions is common; slaughter is advised.   

Treatment is rarely successful in advanced cases and recurrence of leisions is common; slaughter is advised.   

==References==

==References==