Actinomycosis in cattle (Lumpy Jaw)
Dharmendra Choudhary1, Monika2, Bhavana Rathore2*
- V.Sc. Scholar, Department of Veterinary Pathology, PGIVER, Jaipur
- Assistant Professor, Department of Veterinary Parasitology, PGIVER, Jaipur
*Corresponding author (bhavanarathoredr@gmail.com)
INTRODUCTION –
It is a pyogranulomatous disease affecting hard tissue (mandible or maxilla) of cattle. Infection totally involve cervicofacial region. It is characterised by pus formation in mandible and maxilla, necrosis of bone (honeycomb appearance).
ETIOLOGY –
This disease is caused by bacteria Actinomyces bovis (gram positive, long & filamentous).
MODE OF TRANSMISSION –
The infection spread through wound which is caused by sharp object. The infection is commonly localised but due to spread through lymphatics it becomes generalized.
GROSS & MICROSCOPIC LESION –
There is enlargement occur in mandible and maxilla bone due to pus/ abscess formation. Affected bone gives honeycomb appearance (due to necrosis and degeneration) which contains sulfur granules and also consist of irregular shaped mass of bacterial colonies. Hyperemia, edema, basophilic club formation found at site of infection.
CLINICAL SIGNS & SYMPTOMS –
Clinical signs such as hard mouth, painless bony swelling, immovable, stinky honey like fluid discharge when swelling burst out. Excessive salivation (ptylism), difficulty in mastication (rumination).
DIAGNOSIS –
Diagnosis can be challenging and typically involves imaging studies and microbiological cultures. Histopathological examination often reveals sulfur granules in the pus.
TREATMENT –
The disease is treated by symptomatic treatment such NSAIDS, antihistamines, antibiotics such as streptopenicillin. In oral treatment potassium iodide or sodium iodide is recommended. Surgery may be required for drainage of abscesses or removal of infected tissue. With appropriate treatment.
FUTURE & PROGNOSIS OF DISEASE –
The prognosis is generally good. However, delay in diagnosis and treatment can lead to more severe complications and a more challenging recovery. Recent research continues to explore the role of early diagnosis and the impact of antibiotic resistance on treatment outcomes. Improved diagnostic techniques, such as molecular methods, are also being investigated to enhance the accuracy and speed of diagnosis.
