Successful Medical Management of Secondary Photosensitization in A Crossbred Holstein Friesian Cow – A Case Report

Abstract

Photosensitization is not uncommon in cattle, due to the accumulation of photodynamic agents in the skin which is triggered by direct sunlight and developing skin lesions like alopecia, itching, hyperemic, ulceration, and necrosis. A five-year-old crossbred HF cow was brought to the Veterinary Clinical Complex, VCRI Orathanadu with a history of redness, ulceration, and necrosis of the skin on the dorsum, perineum, and face for the past twenty days. Clinical examination revealed dullness, lethargy, reduced feed intake, severe hyperemia, ulcerated, and necrosis of the skin on the dorsal aspect (from neck to tail), perineum, and face. Hematology revealed mild anemic and elevated liver enzymes. The animal was restricted from the regular grazing area and contact with direct sunlight. Treated with IV Fluids, Inj. Streptopenicillin @ 2.5 g I/M, Inj. Meloxicam @0.5 mg/kg I/M, Inj. Chlorpheniramine maleate @ 0.4 mg/kg I/M, Inj. B complex with liver extract @ 10ml I/M and Inj. Vit AD3E @10 ml I/M. Supportive Liver tonic and Cetrimide cream on topical application. The animal showed clinical improvement from the second week and complete recovery was reported after three months.