Difference between revisions of "Tail Dock Neuroma"
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| − | Also know as: '''''Traumatic | + | Also know as: '''''Traumatic Neuroma''''' |
==Introduction== | ==Introduction== | ||
Neuromas are '''exuberant but non-neoplastic proliferations of neural tissue'''. | Neuromas are '''exuberant but non-neoplastic proliferations of neural tissue'''. | ||
| − | They are a manifestation of '''traumatic or surgical nerve transection''' followed by disorganised proliferation of the proximal nerve stump due to poor | + | They are a manifestation of '''traumatic or surgical nerve transection''' followed by disorganised proliferation of the proximal nerve stump due to poor apposition or absence of the proximal nerve segment. |
They are reported in many species, and in '''dogs''' this is most seen after tail docking procedures. Farm animals such as '''pigs, lambs and dairy cows''' can also be affected. Cocker spaniel dogs are thought to be genetically predisposed. | They are reported in many species, and in '''dogs''' this is most seen after tail docking procedures. Farm animals such as '''pigs, lambs and dairy cows''' can also be affected. Cocker spaniel dogs are thought to be genetically predisposed. | ||
| − | ==Clinical | + | ==Clinical Signs== |
In dogs, tail dock neuromas present as '''painful, alopecic, hyperpigmented, lichenified lesions''' of the docked tip of the tail. | In dogs, tail dock neuromas present as '''painful, alopecic, hyperpigmented, lichenified lesions''' of the docked tip of the tail. | ||
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'''Surgical resection''' is the treatment of choice. | '''Surgical resection''' is the treatment of choice. | ||
| − | Prevention is through the '''banning of cosmetic tail docking''' in dogs | + | Prevention is through the '''banning of cosmetic tail docking''' in dogs. In farm animals, effort should be made to minimise the need for tail docking, for example in pigs by '''minimising tail-biting''' through the provision of environmental enrichment and the improvement of husbandry. |
| − | |||
| − | In farm animals, effort should be made to minimise the need for tail docking, for example in pigs by '''minimising tail-biting''' through the provision of environmental | ||
{{Learning | {{Learning | ||
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Stevenson, P. (1999) '''The Tail Docking of Piglets''' ''Compassion in World Farming Trust'' | Stevenson, P. (1999) '''The Tail Docking of Piglets''' ''Compassion in World Farming Trust'' | ||
| − | [[Category: | + | |
| − | [[Category: | + | {{review}} |
| + | [[Category:Neurological Diseases - Dog]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Nervous System - Pathology]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Expert Review]] | ||
Revision as of 12:49, 1 September 2011
Also know as: Traumatic Neuroma
Introduction
Neuromas are exuberant but non-neoplastic proliferations of neural tissue.
They are a manifestation of traumatic or surgical nerve transection followed by disorganised proliferation of the proximal nerve stump due to poor apposition or absence of the proximal nerve segment.
They are reported in many species, and in dogs this is most seen after tail docking procedures. Farm animals such as pigs, lambs and dairy cows can also be affected. Cocker spaniel dogs are thought to be genetically predisposed.
Clinical Signs
In dogs, tail dock neuromas present as painful, alopecic, hyperpigmented, lichenified lesions of the docked tip of the tail.
The underlying connective tissue is thickened and firm and there is adhesion between the connective tissue and skin.
Diagnosis
Clinical signs are diagnostic.
Histopathology: the neuromas are characterised by small bundles of nerves arranged individually and in clusters. This proliferating neural tissue is distributed randomly throughout the connective tissue. Axons within the nerve bundles are thinly myelinated and the perineurium appears slightly thickened.
Treatment
Surgical resection is the treatment of choice.
Prevention is through the banning of cosmetic tail docking in dogs. In farm animals, effort should be made to minimise the need for tail docking, for example in pigs by minimising tail-biting through the provision of environmental enrichment and the improvement of husbandry.
| Tail Dock Neuroma Learning Resources | |
|---|---|
 Test your knowledge using flashcard type questions |
Small Animal Dermatology Q&A 17 |
References
Gross, T. L. (2005) Skin diseases of dogs and cats: clinical and histopathologic diagnosis Wiley-Blackwell
Hill, P. (2002) Small animal dermatology: a practical guide to the diagnosis and management of skin diseases in dogs and cats Elsevier Health Sciences
Stevenson, P. (1999) The Tail Docking of Piglets Compassion in World Farming Trust
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This article has been peer reviewed but is awaiting expert review. If you would like to help with this, please see more information about expert reviewing. |