Dermatitis due to Lantana toxicity and its Management -A Report of Eight cattle

Eight Jersey crossbred cattle were presented with signs of photosensitisation. Generalised weakness, anorexia, constipation followed by diarrhoea, corneal opacity, photosensitization associated dermatitis with alopecia, fissures and sloughing of skin at various parts of body viz. brisket, perianal region, face, nasal area with serum and bloody discharges common signs. Few were also presented with signs of jaundice. Skin scraping analysis could not reveal any ectoparasites. Low levels of PCV, Hb and TEC with significantly elevated AST, ALT, ALP, BUN and creatinine were the significant hemato-biochemical findings recorded. It was later reported that animals accidentally consumed lantana plants, a week prior to onset of lesions. Based on collective history and typical lesions, the cause was diagnosed as photosensitisation reaction towards lantana poisoning and managed with supportive drugs successfully.