ulcerative lymphangitis

Ulcerative Lymphangitis

Synonym : Ulcerative cellulitis Caseous lymphadenitis

It is an infectious disease of cattle and horse characterized by formation of

skin ulcers with involvement of

lymph vessels of lower limbs.

Etiology : Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis The organisim is Pleomorphic, non motile, non-spore forming, non-capsulated, gram positive rod Corynebacterium equi Psudomonas aeruginosa

Corynebacterium pseudotuberculus

Susceptible Hosts: Primarily – a disease of horse But sometimes

Also occurs in cattle

Ulcerative lymphangitis

Transmission and pathogenesis: Disease is related to soil

contamination. Organisim may remain on skin as

contaminants. Through abrasion or skin injuries –

invade the tissues , multiply – invade the lymphatic vessels – formation of abscess.

Clinical findings: The disease is sporadic in nature and

spreads slowly. It begins as a moderate diffuse swelling

on one or both the limbs causing lameness.

Nodules formed on the legs break down leading to the formation of ulcers.

Thick greenish exudate mixed with blood appear from such ulcers.

Diagnosis:1. Clinical findings.2. Isolation and identification of the

organisims.

Treatment:1. A course of antibiotic, preferably

penicillin @ 4000 – 8000iu /kg BW.i/m daily x 5 days

2. Surgical drainage of pus material.

3. Daily dressing of wound.

Control: Strict hygiene and sanitation.

Regular grooming of animals.

Prompt care and treatment of limb injuries.

Sporotrichosis :Sporotrichosis is a contagious disease

of horses characterized by

the development of cutaneous nodules and ulcers on the limbs

and may or may not be accompanied by lymphangitis.

Etiology : Sporotrichum schenckii Gram positive fungus Infection spreads directly through

contaminated soil or decaying plant materials.

Infection may spread through direct contact with infected animals.

Pathogenesis : Local invasion through cutaneous

wounds results in the development of abscess and discharging ulcers.

Clinical findings: Multiple , small cutaneous nodules

develop on the lower parts of the legs, usually about the fetlock.

The nodules are painless, develop a scab on the summit, discharge a small amount of pus and heal in 3-4 weeks.

Diagnosis :1. Clinical symptoms.2. Isolation and identification of the

organisim.3. Gram positive spores in the

disharges.

Treatment :1. Local application of tincture iodine daily on ulcers –

dressing.2. Oral administration of potassium iodide is beneficial.

Potassium iodide @ 2 – 3g/100kg (4 – 8g/animal) daily orally for 10 to 14 days.

1. Or , sodium iodide (10%)solution@1gm/40kg BW or,2. sodium – iodide @ 15 – 30 gms

in 250 – 500 ml distilled water i/v at weekly interval for a month.

Or, Griseofulvin @7.5-10mg/kg BW/day for 30 days