LUMPY JAW Definition
Actinomycosis or lumpy jaw produces immovable hard swellings on the upper and lower jawbones of cattle, commonly at the central molar level. It is caused by
an anaerobic micro-organism, Actinomyces bovis. The bacterium invades tissue through breaks in the lining of the mouth caused by eating rough forage. The
tumor-like swellings develop slowly and may take several months to reach a noticeable size. Lumpy jaw may be well advanced before external signs are visible.
The lumps consist of honeycombed masses of thin bone filled with yellow pus. If neglected the swellings may become very large. In advanced cases openings
develop and discharge small amounts of sticky pus containing gritty yellow granules.
Difficult breathing due to involvement of the nasal bones may be the first sign. As the disease progresses, chewing becomes more difficult and painful,
resulting in loss of condition. Occasionally, the soft tissues of the head and alimentary tract can be involved. Lesions in the alimentary tract give vague
symptoms of indigestion, often with chronic bloat.
The most common treatments are iodine therapy or tetracyclines. Treatment is often ineffective. If the disease is detected early, it may be better to dispose of
the animal while it is still in good condition. Only the head should be condemned by meat inspectors, unless the lesions have spread elsewhere in the body.
Actinomycosis or lumpy jaw produces immovable hard swellings on the upper and lower jawbones of cattle, commonly at the central molar level. It is caused by
an anaerobic micro-organism, Actinomyces bovis. The bacterium invades tissue through breaks in the lining of the mouth caused by eating rough forage. The
tumor-like swellings develop slowly and may take several months to reach a noticeable size. Lumpy jaw may be well advanced before external signs are visible.
The lumps consist of honeycombed masses of thin bone filled with yellow pus. If neglected the swellings may become very large. In advanced cases openings
develop and discharge small amounts of sticky pus containing gritty yellow granules.
Difficult breathing due to involvement of the nasal bones may be the first sign. As the disease progresses, chewing becomes more difficult and painful,
resulting in loss of condition. Occasionally, the soft tissues of the head and alimentary tract can be involved. Lesions in the alimentary tract give vague
symptoms of indigestion, often with chronic bloat.
The most common treatments are iodine therapy or tetracyclines. Treatment is often ineffective. If the disease is detected early, it may be better to dispose of
the animal while it is still in good condition. Only the head should be condemned by meat inspectors, unless the lesions have spread elsewhere in the body.
Bovine Lumpy Jaw is most commonly known as a disease of cattle. Well let me tell you if your horse shares a waterer or feed trough with cattle then there is a
possibility your horse can develop it given the right conditions.
I kept a diary of the events at http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/showthread.php?t=241791
The reason for this is so people can see photos and get perspective on what is involved. There was little to no information on the internet for horses suffering from this
infection.
possibility your horse can develop it given the right conditions.
I kept a diary of the events at http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/showthread.php?t=241791
The reason for this is so people can see photos and get perspective on what is involved. There was little to no information on the internet for horses suffering from this
infection.
Before Surgery
Notice all of the sequestrums
Notice all of the sequestrums
After Surgery.
Sequestrums removed
Sequestrums removed
Abscess location
Surgery site
Abscess site healed up 5
months later May 11, 2011
months later May 11, 2011
Surgery site May 11, 2011
Bone healing, this is what his
jaw looks like as of May 11, 2011
jaw looks like as of May 11, 2011