The clinical picture and pathology of "Deg Nala disease" in buffaloes and cattle in West Pakistan
Irfan, M.
Veterinary Record 88(16): 422-424
1971
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 5103370 Document Number: 32686
The clinical picture and gross and histological changes were studied in 295 buffaloes and 10 cattle which were affected with "Deg Nala" disease (named after the area of W.Pakistan in which it was first seen in 1930). Sporadic cases are seen in winter months when rice straw is used as fodder. During the early stages of the disease oedematous swellings appeared on the dependent parts of the body. As the disease progressed, ulcerated wounds developed on the lower region of the legs, tip of the tail, ears and in some cases on the muzzle and tongue. The blood vessels in the affected areas were hardened and thickened. On histological examination, varying degenerative changes were seen in the tunica media, which was also thickened and caused pressure on the lumen of the blood vessels. Necrosis or even gangrene developed in the region of the hooves, tip of the tail, ears and tongue. In some cases the gangrenous portions sloughed off and the wounds healed in due course. The gangrenous lesions were similar to those of ergotism, but no other evidence of this disease was found.