Photosensitisation

Description

Photosensitisation is an abnormal reaction of the skin to sunlight due to the presence of a photodynamic agent in the dermis. It is primarily a condition of sheep, cattle and horses but other species may also be susceptible.

The condition can be divided into two categories; primary and secondary. Primary photosensitisation occurs due to the ingestion of lush green plants containing photodynamic agents such as St John's Wort or clover. Secondary (hepatogenous) photosensitisation is the most commmon type of photosensitivity seen in animals and occurs as a result of liver or bile duct damage, most often due to ingestion of hepatotoxic plants such as Ragwort. Due to insufficient conjugation and excretion by the liver, the photosensitising agent phylloerythrin (a breakdown product of chlorophyll) accumulates in the blood, body tissues and skin. This leads to absorption and release of UV light, resulting in a phototoxic reaction.

Clinical signs

The condition is characterised by clearly demarcated 'sunburn-like' lesions that are confined to unpigmented or hairless areas of the skin. The nose, lips, ears, muzzle and udder are commonly affected areas. In the acute stages, the affected area(s) becomes erythematous and oedematous with exudation and crust formation. Animals may be pruritic or painful. Other clinical signs may include swollen lips or muzzle, tachypnoea, tachycardia, diarrhoea and salivation.

If the photosensitisation is secondary (hepatogenous), icterus may be present. Other signs may include those consistent with hepatic encephalopathy such as head-pressing, circling, and behavioural changes.

Photosensitisation in a Friesian cow (Image from Wikimedia Commons))

Diagnosis

The history and clinical signs of affected animals 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. Signs of liver disease are usually absent.

In animals affected by secondary photosensitisation the classic skin lesions of the condition are often generalised rather than localised, and are accompanied by the signs of liver disease listed above. Serum biochemistry often reveals increased liver enzymes (ALP, GGT, SDH and ALT) but bilirubin and bile acid concentrations are usually normal. Ultrasonography may be useful in evaluating the hepatic structure and identifying pathological changes indicative of secondary disase. Definitive diagnosis may be obtained by liver biopsy.

Treatment

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. Secondary bacterial infections of cutaneous lesions are common and should be treated with antimicrobials and correct wound management. Lesions generally heal well, and surgical debridement is reserved for only the most severly necrotic lesions.

If the animal is affected by secondary photosensitisation supportive treatment should be provided. A low-protein, high-energy diet rich in branched-chain amino acids such as beet pulp is recommended. Intravenous fluid therapy with 5% dextrose may be necessary in hypoglycaemic patients with signs of hepatic encephalopathy. Severely affected animals with liver failure carry a grave prognosis and are not usually treatable.

Prognosis

In general the prognosis is favourable for primary photosensitisation and poor for secondary photosensitisation due to hepatic involvement. Cutaneous lesions usually resolve within 48 hours but occasionally may persist for up to six months.

Prevention

Animals should not be grazed on pasture known to contain photodynamic agents and contaminated hay and grain should also be avoided. In the case of farm livestock, less valuable or older animals may be used to 'pre-graze' affected pastures before other animals are introduced.

References

• Gupta, R. C., (2007) Veterinary Toxicology: basic and clinical principles Academic Press
• Haskell, S. R. R., (2008) Blackwell's five-minute veterinary consult: ruminant John Wiley & Sons
• Lavoie, J. P., (2009) Blackwell's five-minute veterinary consult: equine John Wiley & Sons
• Merck & Co (2008) The Merck Veterinary Manual (Eighth Edition) Merial