Maxillary Actinomycosis in a Crossbred Cow: A Case Report on Diagnosis and Treatment under Resource Constraints

Abstract

Bovine actinomycosis, or lumpy jaw, in cattle is caused by Actinomyces bovis, which produces chronic rarefying osteomyelitis of facial masticatory bones. This leads to painful swelling, dysphagia, and weight loss, significantly impacting the animal's health and productivity. A 3.5-year-old crossbred cow with a history of gradually increasing swelling on the left maxillary region with decreasing feed intake was presented for treatment at Veterinary Clinical Complex, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Theni, Tamil Nadu. Clinical examination revealed a hard, painful, immovable mass with no discharge. Hence, for diagnosis, fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) was taken, and the smear was stained with Gram’s stain. This revealed filamentous Gram-positive bacteria with surrounding Gram-negative club-shaped structures characteristic of actinomycosis. After confirming actinomycosis, the animal was treated with antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and iodides. Additionally, TissueAid bolus was advised for oral administration along with topical application with glycerine and magnesium sulphate. The animal exhibited symptomatic improvement during subsequent visits, with a gradual enhancement in feed intake and reduction in swelling following the treatment.