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INSTITUTE OF INSPECTORS OF STOCK OF N.S.W. YEAR BOOK.
TREATMENT OF WOODEN TONGUE WITH INTRAVENOUS INJECTIONS OF SODIUM IODIDE
E. G. Lowe, B.V.Sc., Inspector of Stock, Coonamble.
The disease known as Wooden Tongue is caused by the organism Actinobacillus lignieresi. The condition usually is chronic in nature and slow of spread; and it often has been associated with dry periods, during which animals are forced on to feed which quite easily could cause rupture of the mucous membrane of the mouth. As a rule it is not treated in the field; slaughter being the method of control adopted.
The causal organism is a saprophyte of the mouth and intestine and the more usual site of the disease is that area of the mouth in which the soft tissues can be invaded. This is in contra-distinction to Actinomycosis, or Lumpy Jaw as it is known more commonly; in which disease the boney tissue of the mouth parts is involved primarily.
Case 1.—The subject was a three-year-old Shorthorn bull.
The owner, Mr. F. reported on 16/1/45 that he had a bull which could not pull in its tongue; and that it had been in such condition for the preceding three weeks. The property was situated in that part of the district which had been drought-stricken, and the owner had been feeding with scrub and wheaten hay.
Examination showed the animal to be in a most dejected condition. The head was poked forward and the tongue was protruding to the extent of about four inches. There was a steady, but not profuse, salivation. The bull was able to drink, but naturally its general condition was poor.
The animal was cast for examination of the affected part. Palpa- tion of the tongue showed it to be very stiff and hard, and there was a definite increase in its size. In the pharyngeal region also there was a marked enlargement; the general effect being to make the organ too big for the mouth.
A diagnosis of Actinobacillosis was made. With treatment, the prognosis was a fair chance of recovery; If untreated, the animal would have to be destroyed.
The only treatment considered to offer a reasonable chance of success was intravenous sodium iodide; and the dose decided upon was: Sodi.iod—1 oz.; in water—1 pint. The injection was given in the thrown position; the left jugular being selected as the site for administration.
The animal was seen again on 5/2/45, when a second injection was made in the opposite vein.
At the time of this injection a marked improvement in the bull's condition was observed. The tongue was normal macroscopically, and appeared to be normal also on palpation. There was still a small enlargement in the pharyngeal region, but the functions of eating and drinking at this stage did not appear to be impaired.
The beast was seen finally ten days later, when it appeared to be quite normal.
During the course of treatment the usual signs of iodism were observed; namely, hard faecal samples and a very scurfy condition of the skin.
Case 2.—The subject was a four-year-old Jersey cow.
The owner, Mr. H., reported a small lump just beneath the jaw bone. Palpation revealed a polyp-like structure running up towards the anterior region of the pharynx. which also appeared to be enlarged. Apparently there was little interference with eating or drinking and regurgitation was normal.
Conditions on this property were of a similar nature to those in which the first case occurred, save that no wheaten hay had been fed.
On a diagnosis of A. lignieresi being made, treatment with intravenous Sodium iodide, at a dose rate similar to that used in Case 1. was carried out. About seven days later the swelling discharged from the surface. A second injection was given at the tenth day, and recovery thereafter was uneventful.
The usual scurfy condition of the skin again was in evidence following treatment.