Changes

==Description==

==Description==

An infectious disease caused by the gram-negative coccobacilli[[Actinobacillus lignieresii]]. Characterised by inflammation of the soft tissues of the head especially the [[Oral Cavity - Tongue - Anatomy & Physiology|tongue]] and [[Lymph Nodes - Anatomy & Physiology|pharangeal lymph nodes]] of cattle and sheep. The Causal agent is widespread in the environment and part of the normal flora of the GI mucosa. It gains acess to the tongue via small abrasions. It can be a progressive disease - low virulence but high persistence so the animal may stop eating and eventually die if not treated.  

An infectious disease caused by the gram-negative coccobacilli[[Actinobacillus lignieresii]]. Characterised by inflammation of the soft tissues of the head especially the [[Oral Cavity - Tongue - Anatomy & Physiology|tongue]] and [[Lymph Nodes - Anatomy & Physiology|pharangeal lymph nodes]] of cattle and sheep. The Causal agent is widespread in the environment and part of the normal flora of the GI mucosa. It gains access to the tongue via small abrasions. It can be a progressive disease of low virulence but high persistence so the animal may stop eating and eventually die if not treated.  

==Signalment==

==Signalment==

Occurs in cattle and sheep of all ages but particularly seen in young beef breeds particularly sucklers on poor forage.

Occurs in cattle and sheep of all ages but particularly seen in young beef breeds particularly sucklers on poor forage.

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==

==Clinical Signs==

==Clinical Signs==

   

   

Often begins like [[Picornaviridae#Foot and Mouth Disease Virus|foot and mouth disease]]. Animals are dull, have difficulty masticating, inappetant and  salivate profusely.. The tongue feels like a lump of wood especially the dorsal part of posterior 2/3rds which is often found in conjunction with small areas of ulceration on the side of [[Oral Cavity - Tongue - Anatomy & Physiology|tongue]].

Often begins like [[Picornaviridae#Foot and Mouth Disease Virus|foot and mouth disease]]. Animals are dull, have difficulty masticating, are inappetent and  salivate profusely. The tongue is inflammed, hard swollen and painful with small areas of ulceration along its sides. Often the tongue is described like a lump of wood hence the name, especially the dorsal part of the posterior 2/3rds.

In contrast to foot and mouth cases are nearly always sporadic.

In contrast to foot and mouth cases are nearly always sporadic.

Occasionally can see generalised infections but more commonly spreads to local lymph nodes of [[Alimentary - Anatomy & Physiology|alimentary tract]]and can affect soft tissue anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract including the rumen and reticulum. This may present as a chronic condition.  

Occasionally generalised infections occur and the bacteria cmay affect soft tissue anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract.

Additionally a cutaneous form has been reported where ulcers and nodules are present in the subcutaneous tissue containing yellow-green pus.

Additionally a cutaneous form of the disease has been reported where ulcers and nodules are present in the subcutaneous tissue containing yellow-green pus.

====Pathology====

==Pathology==

[[Image:woodentongue2.gif|right|thumb|125px|<small><center>'Sulpher body' of Actinobacillosis (Courtesy of Alun Williams (RVC))</center></small>]]

[[Image:woodentongue2.gif|right|thumb|125px|<small><center>'Sulpher body' of Actinobacillosis (Courtesy of Alun Williams (RVC))</center></small>]]

*Small granulomatous lesions containing 'sulfa granules' of large numbers of gram-negative rods

*Small granulomatous lesions containing 'sulfa granules' of large numbers of gram-negative rods

 

[[Category:Tongue_-_Pathology]][[Category:Cattle]]

[[Category:Tongue_-_Pathology]][[Category:Cattle]]

[[Category:To Do - Caz]]

[[Category:To Do - Caz]]

[[Category:Sheep]]

[[Category:Sheep]]