Musculoskeletal diseases Flashcards
What is the causative agent of wooden tongue?
Actinobacillus lignieresii
Describe the pathophysiology of wooden tongue
Actinobacillus lives in the oral cavity and penetrates the tongue following a wound, causing granulomatous infection
What are the clinical signs of wooden tongue?
Anorexia, dehydration, hypersalivation, enlarged firm tongue +/- ulcers, regional lymphadenitis, submandibular swelling
How is wooden tongue diagnosed?
Clinical signs + aspirate with gram negative rods with sulfur granules. Response to treatment indicates diagnosis as well.
How is wooden tongue treated?
10-20% sodium iodide IV twice, 7-10d apart
Oxytetracycline for severe cases
Should improve within 48hrs
What is the causative agent of lumpy jaw?
Actinomyces bovis
Describe the pathophysiology of lumpy jaw
Actinomyces is commonly found in the oral cavity and infects tissues following a wound. Infection spreads and can cause osteomyelitis.
What are the clinical signs of lumpy jaw?
Painless bony immovable swelling of jaw -> decreased appetite and abnormal chewing, weight loss, hypersalivation -> eventual destruction of jaw, periosteal response, and fibrous tissue reaction +/- draining tracts
How is lumpy jaw diagnosed?
Clinical signs, gram stain of aspirate or biopsy showing gram negative branching rods +/- sulfur granules, osteomyelitis on radiology, culture of organism, response to treatment
How is lumpy jaw treated?
Consider culling
If animal is valuable treat with 10-20% sodium iodide IV every 7-10 days until signs of iodism appear + procaine penicillin. You can debulk/curette, flush and pack lesions and remove loose teeth as well. Lesion won’t get smaller but with care might not get bigger.
What is the most common location for lameness in cattle?
Lateral claw of rear feet
What are the steps of a lameness examination?
Observe at rest- stance, muscle atrophy, conformation
Observe during walk- from side then rear
Closely examine affected foot- swelling, look after trimming or on foot table, might need lateral recumbency
How frequently should hoof trimming be performed?
At least once a year for dairy cattle
What are predisposing factors for sole ulcers?
Lateral claw longer than medial claw, lateral claw less concave than medial claw, lateral claw carrying more weight, hard environment, under-conditioned cow
What are the clinical signs of a sole ulcer? How is it diagnosed?
Painful hoof
Diagnosed by direct examination
How is a sole ulcer treated?
Decrease focal pressure with corrective trimming or by applying a wooden block, debride and control granulation tissue
How are sole ulcers prevented?
Annual foot trimming, maximize cow comfort
What clinical signs are associated with subclinical laminitis?
Yellow waxy discoloration of solar horn, chalkiness and widening of sole-wall junction
What clinical signs are seen in chronic laminitis?
Lameness, parallel ridges in hoof wall with long misshapen claws, white line disease can occur
How is laminitis treated/prevented?
Regular corrective trimming, correct diet to prevent rumen acidosis
What are predisposing factors for subsolar abscesses?
Solar penetration- anything that softens the hoof, excessively worn soles, foreign bodies
How are subsolar abscesses treated?
Hoof trimming, drainage of the abscess
Describe white line disease; how is it treated?
Sequelae of laminitis- widening of white line most commonly at heel to sole junction in lateral rear claw, often complicated by infection of distal interphalangeal joint and navicular bursa
Treated with corrective trimming
Describe pedal bone fractures
Most common in large adult cattle (beef), usually associated with trauma, present with severe lameness and pain, positive on hoof testers. Diagnose with radiographs. Treat with wooden block on the unaffected claw and confinement for 8 weeks minimum.
