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This article was published in 1949
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INSTITUTE OF INSPECTORS OF STOCK OF N.S.W. YEAR BOOK.
OBSCURE LAMENESS in CATTLE
E. G. LOWE. B.V.Sc., Inspector of Stock, Coonamble.
In an earlier issue of this Year Book, Madden (1943) submitted a preliminary report on what he described as a puzzling complaint affecting cattle in the Tamworth District. To recapitulate, the major symptoms noted then were—dullness, ears lopped, rapid breathing, a general locomotory disability with which was associated a marked stiffness and soreness of the limb, and a natural disinclination to walk, high temperature, a light discharge from the nose and constipation.
Since being stationed at Coonamble, what probably is a similar condition has been encountered by the writer on several occasions since 1944; mainly during the summer months. At least six separate properties have been involved, almost entirely within a radius of about 25 miles from Coonamble, and from east to south-west of that centre.
The first outbreak investigated involved calves which originated in the Gloucester District and had been in the Gulargambone area for about four weeks when the owner first reported mortalities. Of a total of 64 calves, eight became affected and all of these died. The principal symptoms comprised anorexia, clear mucus stream from the nostrils and a staggering gait involving the hind legs. Palpation of affected limbs failed to reveal any particular indication of soreness, or any crepitation.
At autopsy an area was found in the region of the left acetabulum in which the fat tissue was very fluid. This extended for a short distance between the muscle bundles but could not be seen between muscle fibres. Some of the muscle tissue appeared to be paler than normal.
The pericardial sac contained a small amount of straw-coloured fluid; the gall bladder was distended; and in the rumen an area of about 5 x 7 inches showed ecchymoses.
Glenfield reported no evidence of myositis in the portion of the musculature surrounded by oedematous fluid. Nor were any organisms found in any of the quite comprehensive set of specimens forwarded. The opinion was expressed that the symptoms seen were indicative of Ephemeral Fever (Three Day Sickness).
The outbreak now reported is somewhat similar to that seen in the Tamworth District; with the one notable exception that Madden (ibid.) found extensive peritonitis at almost all post-mortem examinations.
To digress sufficiently to review and eliminate the symptoms and lesions usually accepted an characteristic of Ephemeral Fever, this latter condition is one of high fever, anorexia and great dejection. There are muscular pains and stiffness, with lameness while a clear nasal discharge and swelling of the eyelids are almost constant features, and early recumbrney is to be expected. The mortality rate seldom exceeds 2 per cent., and there usually is a sudden recovery on the third day.
Post-mortem examination shows swollen lymphatic glands, patchy congestion and effusion of the serosa, slight congestion of the mucous membrane of the abomasum and renal congestion.
With this description in mind it in interesting to review the symptoms of all outbreaks in the Coonamble District. In this area the condition usually is confined to cattle in the age group under two years; and to paddock cattle of which a close examination seldom is practibable. Early cases rarely are seen, as the outbreak is not reported until it is obvious; and therefore advanced.
The affected beast usually stands with the head poked forward and in dejected in appearance. Strings of clear mucus run from the muzzle. Early the beast is slightly lame and this lameness appears to be of shifting nature; first one and then another of both fore and hind limbs being involved. With the progress of the disease, however, the lameness settles in the hind limbs and gives the definite appearance of a joint soreness. When moving the animal may knuckle over, and although walking usually is forced it in very difficult to approach an affected beast on foot.
Although affected animals may show a marked ataxia the writer never has seen a case recumbent except in extremis. The condition apparently is not infectious as isolated cases have been seen in herds for considerable periods; while the remaining cattle were apparently normal.
The disease as seen at Coonamble is of some weeks duration and is accompanied by marked loss of condition; which, when recovery occurs, is not restored for a considerable period.
Reference
Madden. F. (1943)-Year Book, Inst. Insprs. Stock, N.S.W., 1943