Cattle Diseases

LUMPY JAW

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 fungus 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.

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Cattle Today, Inc. makes no representations about the suitability or accuracy of any of the information contained in this site. All information is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind. Any use of the content on this site is at the risk of the user. In no event shall Cattle Today, Inc. be liable for any damages whatsoever resulting from loss arising out of or in connection with the use of any information available from this site. This information is not intended to be used as an alternative to consulting with a health care professional or other qualified professional. If you need advice on a cattle health problem please contact your local veterinarian.

Diseases of Cattle HOME ANAPLASMOSIS ANTHRAX BLACKLEG BLOAT BRUCELLOSIS BSE BVD CALF SCOURS CANCER EYE COCCIDIOSIS FOOT AND MOUTH FOOT ROT GRASS TETANY IBR EXTERNAL PARASITES INTERNAL PARASITES JOHNE'S DISEASE LEPTO LISTERIOSIS LUMPY JAW PINKEYE RINGWORM TRICHOMONIASIS VIBRIOSIS WARTS WOODEN TONGUE	LUMPY JAW 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 fungus 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. To ask a question about a cattle disease, CLICK HERE and get an answer! Cattle Today Online is the cattleman's guide to the cattle business. Take your time and look around. You'll find the net's best cattle news, free livestock classified ads, free ranch listing, the latest USDA livestock market report, free ranch email, Baxter Black, thousands of links and a free newsletter just for ranchers. Or make someone smile by sending them a Cow Card!
	Cattle Today, Inc. makes no representations about the suitability or accuracy of any of the information contained in this site. All information is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind. Any use of the content on this site is at the risk of the user. In no event shall Cattle Today, Inc. be liable for any damages whatsoever resulting from loss arising out of or in connection with the use of any information available from this site. This information is not intended to be used as an alternative to consulting with a health care professional or other qualified professional. If you need advice on a cattle health problem please contact your local veterinarian.
		Information contained in this article from one or more of the following: Alabama Cooperative Extension System South Carolina Extension Service Nebraska Extension Service Oklahoma State Cooperative Extension Service University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension University of Minnesota Extension Service
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Diseases of Cattle

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ANAPLASMOSIS ANTHRAX BLACKLEG BLOAT BRUCELLOSIS BSE BVD CALF SCOURS CANCER EYE COCCIDIOSIS FOOT AND MOUTH FOOT ROT GRASS TETANY IBR EXTERNAL PARASITES INTERNAL PARASITES JOHNE'S DISEASE LEPTO LISTERIOSIS LUMPY JAW PINKEYE RINGWORM TRICHOMONIASIS VIBRIOSIS WARTS WOODEN TONGUE

LUMPY JAW

Diseases
of Cattle

ANAPLASMOSIS
ANTHRAX
BLACKLEG
BLOAT
BRUCELLOSIS
BSE
BVD
CALF SCOURS
CANCER EYE
COCCIDIOSIS
FOOT AND MOUTH
FOOT ROT
GRASS TETANY
IBR
EXTERNAL PARASITES
INTERNAL PARASITES
JOHNE'S DISEASE
LEPTO
LISTERIOSIS
LUMPY JAW
PINKEYE
RINGWORM
TRICHOMONIASIS
VIBRIOSIS
WARTS
WOODEN TONGUE