Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Mannuthy, Thrissur- 680651 (Kerala)
*Corresponding author E-mail: dhaneshv04vet@gmail.com
Online published on 31 March, 2014.
A two year old crossbred heifer was presented with clinical signs viz. restlessness, severe itching, icteric mucous membrane, dark yellow coloured urine and skin lesions. White hard patches on body and animal showed severe itching. Animal had history of consuming lantana plant, six days back. Skin scraping and impression smear examination revealed absence of external parasites and fungus. On complete haematological examination, leucocytosis and neutrophilia were noticed. Serum bilirubin was found to be elevated (11.9 mg/dl). Based on history and clinicolaboratory findings, the case was diagnosed as photosensitization dermatitis due to consumption of lantana plant. The condition was treated with liver supplements, antihistaminics, sodium sulphate and external application of antiseptics. After 15 days, animal showed improvement in condition and serum bilirubin level was found to be 0.56 mg/dl.
Cattle, dermatitis, lantana, photosensitization, poisoning
