Actinobacillosis (Woody tongue)

Question 1

Actinobacillus lignieresii is a
A) Gram negative rod obligate anaerobe
B) Gram negative rod aerobe
C) Gram negative rod facultative anaerobe

Answer 1

C)

As a Gram negative rod, facultative anaerobe, A. lignierseii can switch between anaerobic or aerobic metabolism.

Question 2

Actinobacillus lignierseii is a normal inhabitant of the rumen and mouth of ruminants, T/F?

Answer 2

T)

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a classic site of infection for A. lignierseii?

A) Mandibular lesions
B) Diffuse nodular lingual swelling
C) Hard swellings of the lips, with fistulous tracts

Answer 3

A)

Diffuse nodular lingual swellings are the most common etiology in cattle. While uncommon in sheep and rare in goats, the etiology in sheep are hard swellings of the lips.

Question 4

What are some differentials for woody tongue?

Answer 4

Dental disease, oral FB, oral trauma,

Question 5

Diagnosis of A. bacillus relies on

A) identification of malodorous granulomas in classical sites, i.e. lesions of the tongue in cattle and lips/face of sheep
B) Sulfur granules and “club like rosettes” from pus on glass slides
C) Culture of small, gram-negative rods
D) Positive serologic test of A. bacillus

Answer 5

C)

While sulfur granules and “club like rosettes” can be found when pus is crushed between two glass slides, these findings can also be seen with actinomycosis and other staphylococcal infections. Culture is the most definitive diagnosis, with no serological tests being available. The pus is typically not malodorous.

Question 6

Which of the following is the treatment of choice for A. ligniereii?

A) Sodium iodide at 70 mg/kg, IV, as a 10% or 20% solution, once and then 10 d later
B) Antimicrobial drugs such as ceftiofur, ampicillin, penicillin, florfenicol, etc.
C) Surgical debulking

Answer 6

A)

Treatment with iodides is the first line of treatment. While the MOA is not completely understood, the thought is that they provide some antiinflammatory effect. While abx have been shown to be sensitive against A. lignieresii, therapy with these is only recommended in severe, generalized or refractory cases. Debulking can be possible, especially if affecting airflow.