In the past few months, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of cases of timber tongue. Several theories abound, but nothing has been confirmed as of yet. Timber tongue is caused by a specific bacteria called Actinobacillus lignieresii (ligni means wood in Latin). It gets into the soft tissues of the head, especially the tongue, and causes a firm swelling in the tongue, mouth and around the jaw. The affected animal generally drools and can’t eat properly, but on the whole, an animal with timber tongue doesn’t get that sick and with appropriate treatment will be better within a week.

A small number of our clients have had three or four cases in the past 18 months or so, but this is where familiarity leads us to jump to conclusions and incorrect diagnosis.

There is an altogether different condition that causes swelling on the lower jaw that isn’t as benign as timber tongue. Necrotic cellulitis is a condition caused by a clostridial bacteria that again gets into the skin and soft tissues around the head and neck.

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This bacteria is much more aggressive, causing an illness akin to an acute mastitis case post-calving. The animal runs a high temperature, shows inappetence and soon becomes poisoned as the bacteria takes hold and invades surrounding tissues and skin. The infection follows gravity and moves down into the animal’s brisket.

I recently saw such a case, where the farmer assumed it was timber tongue and treated as such, but the following day I found this animal to be gravely sick. When the swollen region was punctured with a needle, putrid-smelling fluid poured from the wound.

The whole area was punctured and this allowed drainage of the toxic material from the region. Despite aggressive antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, fluid and supportive therapy, this animal died within 24 hours.

Prompt treatment is essential with these cases, but fatalities are common. If the animal does survive, the skin overlying the affected region may die and fall off, leaving an open wound.

Usually, cases are sporadic and clostridial vaccination will help prevent. But for farmers and vets alike, it’s always easy to fall into repetitive diagnosis without examining the animal properly. If you have any questions on timber tongue or necrotic cellulitis, please contact your vet for advice.

*Sean Coffey works at Mulcair Vet Clinic, Newport, Co Tipperary. Mulcair Vet Clinic is part of XLVets. For further information go to www.xlvets.ie