Changes

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==

The classical lesions of photosensitisation are usually sufficient for diagnosis of primary disease. There is often a history of exposure or ingestion of plants containing photodynamic agents such as St. John's Wort or clover. Additionally, phenothiazines, sulphonamides, tetracyclines and mycotoxins such as blue-green algae have been implicated in photosensitisation.

The history and clinical signs are important in order to differentiate whether the condition is primary or secondary.  In the case of primary photosensitisation there is often a history of exposure to plants containing photodynamic agents such as St. John's Wort or clover. Alternatively, there may be a history of administration of drugs such as phenothiazines, sulphonamides or tetracyclines.

 

 

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

Affected animals should only be allowed access to grazing at night. If the animal is affected by secondary photosensitisation, a low-protein, high-energy diet is recommended such as beet pulp. Any drugs given at the time of the condition developing should be stopped.

 

Anti-inflammatory drugs such as flunixin meglumine and topical steroid creams may be useful to decrease the severity of cutaneous lesions in the acute stage of the disease. If skin necrosis is severe, surgical debridement may be required.  

Affected animals should be removed from pasture suspected to contain the photodynamic agent. Any drugs given at the time of the condition developing should be stopped. Affected animals should only be allowed access to grazing at night. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as flunixin meglumine and topical steroid creams may be useful to decrease the severity of cutaneous lesions in the acute stage of the disease.

 

If the animal is affected by secondary photosensitisation, a low-protein, high-energy diet is recommended such as beet pulp.  If skin necrosis is severe, surgical debridement may be required.  

==Prognosis==

==Prognosis==