Use of a chain écraseur for excision of a pharyngeal granuloma in a cow.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 10-year-old Longhorn cow pregnant with a valuable fetus was evaluated because of progressive inspiratory dyspnea of 6 weeks' duration. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Physical examination findings were consistent with upper respiratory tract obstruction. A large pedunculated soft tissue mass was evident in the mid-dorsal aspect of the pharynx during palpation and endoscopic examination. Results of microscopic examination of transendoscopic fine-needle aspirates and a biopsy specimen were suggestive of a bacterial granuloma. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Transtracheal intubation was performed, and the mass was excised with a chain écraseur. Results of histologic examination were consistent with a diagnosis of actinobacillosis. The owner reported that the cow was doing well without any recurrence of respiratory distress 8 months after surgery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Findings suggested that pharyngeal granuloma resulting from actinobacillosis should be included in the differential diagnoses when examining mature cattle with upper respiratory tract obstruction and that a chain écraseur may be useful for excising soft tissue pharyngeal masses in cattle.

Concurrent infection with Mycobacterium farcinogenes and Actinobacillus lignièresi in slaughtered cattle.

Concurrent infection with Actinobacillus lignieresii and Mycobacterium farcinogenes was detected in slaughtered cattle. The lesions were confined to the retropharyngeal, mandibular and parotid lymph nodes. The actinobacillus granulomas were seen either inside the caseous lesions or between the caseous part and the epithelioid zone of bovine farcy granuloma. In concomitant infections, actinobacillosis was always in the early active phase, whereas in actinobacillosis alone, active as well as healed stages were encountered.