bovis - Articles
Horn neoplasia
Introduction
- Common disease of Bos indicus, affecting around 1% of the population in India, mainly bullocks.
- Cause: squamous cell neoplasia of horn.
- Signs: unilateral loosening of horn with purulent exudate leads to horn loss and exposure of mass of hemorrhagic granulation tissue.
- Diagnosis: clinical signs, histopathology.
- Treatment: surgical resection.
- Prognosis: good after resection.
Geographic incidence
- Seen wherever Zebu type cattle are kept.
- Rare in colder climates.
- Most commonly seen in India and Brazil.
Age predisposition
- 5-10 years.
- Not seen below 4 years of age.
Breed/Species predisposition
- Seen in long-horned Zebu (Bos indicus) cattle.
- Particularly Kankrej, Gir and Malvi breeds.
- White coated individuals of these breeds most susceptible.
- Rarely in buffalo European buffalo.
Cost considerations
- Cost of surgical resection.
- Prolonged morbidity.
- Reduced milk production.
- Reduced draughting ability.
- Death of individuals.
Pathogenesis
Etiology
- Squamous cell carcinoma likely arising from the mucosa of the frontal sinus and invading the horn core.
Predisposing factors
General
- Working bullocks heavily predisposed (93%).
- Trauma to the horn base from the tying of ropes to use animals for draught work.
- Use of paints, tars, oils and varnishes on the horns.
- UV radiation. Working bullocks used for field work have much more exposure to sunlight.
- White coated individuals.
- Hormonal imbalance - all sex hormones are lower in castrated animals and this may be a factor.
Pathophysiology
- There is squamous metaplasia of the pseudo-stratified columnar epithelium lining the horn core ultimately resulting in squamous cell neoplasia.
Diagnosis
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Treatment
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Prevention
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Outcomes
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Further Reading
Publications
Refereed Papers
- Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
- Giri D K et al (2011) Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Horn and its Surgical Management- A Report of Three Cases. Int J of Livestock Res 1 (1) VetMedResource.
- Singh S P, Munish B & Singh G K (2005) Important Aspects of Horn Cancer. The Indian Cow.
- Zubaidy A J (1976) Horn Cancer in Cattle in Iraq. Vet Path 13 453-454 PubMed.