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Actinobacillosis - Cattle (view source)
Revision as of 17:59, 10 January 2011
, 17:59, 10 January 2011no edit summary
Also known as: '''''Wooden tongue'''
Also known as: '''''Wooden tongue'''
Caused by: '''''Actinobacillus lignieresii'''''
==Description==
==Description==
==Signalment==
==Signalment==
Occurs in cattle and sheep of all ages but particularly seen in young beef breeds especially sucklers on poor forage.
Occurs in cattle and sheep of all ages but particularly seen in young beef breeds especially sucklers on poor forage.
==Clinical Signs==
==Clinical Signs==
In contrast to foot and mouth cases are nearly always sporadic.
In contrast to foot and mouth cases are nearly always sporadic.
Occasionally generalised infections occur and the bacteria may affect soft tissue anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract including the [[Rumen - Anatomy & Physiology|rumen]], [[Reticulum - Anatomy & Physiology|reticulum]] and [[Oesophageal Groove|oesophageal groove]].
Occasionally generalised infections occur and the bacteria may affect soft tissue anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract including the [[Rumen - Anatomy & Physiology|rumen]], [[Reticulum - Anatomy & Physiology|reticulum]] and [[Oesophageal Groove|oesophageal groove]]. The lungs may become affected due to aspiration of the agent. The bacteria often spread from the site of infection to lymphatics, and may cause pyogranulomatous lymphadenitis.
Additionally a cutaneous form of the disease 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.
Sheep produce abscesses with thick walls.
Feeding is impaired causing loss of condition. Infection in the oesophageal groove can cause tympany and enlargement of the retropharyngeal lymph node, causing difficulty in swallowing and breathing.
==Pathology==
==Pathology==
This type of lesion is caused by the host response to the pathogen, rather than directly a pathogen effect.
This type of lesion is caused by the host response to the pathogen, rather than directly a pathogen effect.
Contamination of the environment occurs via ulcerating lesions.
==Diagnosis==
A diagnosis can be made on history and clinical signs, including induration of the tongue. Tissue sections may demonstrate pyogranulomatous foci containing club colonies. Gram negative rods may be present in smears from exudates.
The organism can be cultured on blood agar and MacConkey agar, incubated for 24-72 hours. The bacteria on blood agar form small, sticky, non-haemolytic colonies. The MacConkey agar allows slow lactose fermentation.
==Treatment==
==Treatment==
[[Antibiotics|Antibiotics]] are effective and [[Aminoglycosides#Streptomycin|streptomycin]] is recommended Intramuscularly for 10 days. Animals that do not respond to treatment in two weeks should be slaughtered.
[[Antibiotics|Antibiotics]] are effective and [[Aminoglycosides#Streptomycin|streptomycin]] is recommended intramuscularly for 10 days. Animals that do not respond to treatment in two weeks should be slaughtered. Potentiated sulphonamides or a penicillin/streptomycin combination can be used.
Sodium iodide parenterally, or potassium iodide orally have also been successful.
Rough feed should be avoided
==Prognosis==
==Prognosis==
Andrews, A.H, Blowey, R.W, Boyd, H and Eddy, R.G. (2004) '''Bovine Medicine''' (Second edition), ''Blackwell Publishing''
Andrews, A.H, Blowey, R.W, Boyd, H and Eddy, R.G. (2004) '''Bovine Medicine''' (Second edition), ''Blackwell Publishing''
[[Category:Tongue_-_Pathology]][[Category:Cattle]]
[[Category:Tongue_-_Pathology]][[Category:Alimentary Diseases - Cattle]]
[[Category:Sheep]]
[[Category:Sheep]]
[[Category:Expert_Review]]
[[Category:Expert_Review]]