Introduction
An abscess is a localized pocket of pus that forms in tissues, organs, or spaces within the body as a natural defense mechanism against infection or foreign substances [1-3]. This collection of pus can occur superficially or deeply, anywhere on the body, and is typically caused by bacterial infections. In cattle, lateral cervical abscesses are a prevalent condition, often resulting from bacterial infections or traumatic injuries [4]. These abscesses can cause significant pain, discomfort, and distress, leading to reduced feed intake and weight loss in affected animals. Surgical intervention is often required to drain and debride the abscess, followed by systemic antibiotic therapy to prevent recurrence [5]. In this case study, we present the successful surgical management of a large lateral deep cervical abscess in a 5-year-old white Fulani bull.
Symptoms of abscess locally include; redness, tenderness, pain in the affected area, warmth (elevated temperature), and swelling. Systemic symptoms predominantly include; fever, anorexia, weight loss, and fatigue [1,5,6].
Abscesses are types of swelling that are diagnosed from other swelling based on the history, clinical and physical examination of the lesion with the pus contents, and bacteria culture of the pus exudates aspirated to confirm the diagnosis [1,5]. A superficial abscess can be differentiated from other swellings by pus content, blood content is found in a hematoma, intestinal contents are found in a hernia, serous fluid in the cyst, and synovial fluid in bursitis. It is recommended to check meticulously and be 100 percent sure of the content before making incision [6,7]. In the present case, upon presentation, the abscess was aspirated and the content was found to be pus.
While most abscesses are self-limiting, some can be life-threatening if left untreated or if complications arise [6]. If not properly managed, abscesses can lead to severe consequences, including death. Even with medical attention, some abscesses may recur if not properly drained [7]. Surgery is often the preferred treatment option for abscesses, as it allows for effective drainage and removal of the infected material. The composition of Pus, the thick, yellowish fluid within an abscess, is a mixture of: dead tissue, debris, and bacteria. The size of an abscess depends on the amount of pus it contains, which is influenced by the type and type of bacteria, debris, and dead tissue present [8].
The abscesses can be treated in different ways thus: antibiotics, draining procedures, and surgery. Surgery is usually carried out following proper restraint of the affected animal. The animal should be aseptically prepared to reduce the spread of infection and enhance healing. Surgical draining through a hole at the ventral part of the access is of great advantage for effective treatment [6,7].
Case Presentation
A five-year-old white Fulani bull presented to our veterinary mobile clinic respond on a farm visit with a large fluctuant swelling on the lateral aspect of the neck. The swelling was approximately 15 cm in length and 9 cm in depth. The abscess was observed to be causing significant discomfort to the bull. It was evidenced by its reluctance to feed and move around, even when managed to graze the bull was always isolated. On physical examination, the swelling was warm to the touch and appeared to be fluctuant, suggesting the presence of a large abscess (Figure 1).
Figure 1.
Cervical abscess in a bull.
Surgical Management
The bull was placed under sternal recumbency, and the lateral aspect of the neck was clipped and aseptically prepared for surgery. A longitudinal incision was made over the swelling at the lower boarder (dependent boarder) of the abscess lesion (Fig. 2). The abscess cavity was carefully dissected and drained of purulent material (Fig. 3). The cavity was then thoroughly debrided and flushed with sterile saline solution and 0.5% iodine tincture repeatedly to remove all remaining debris. Continuous draining was enhanced by filling gauze-soaked iodine tincture in the cavity, leaving half of the cavity unsaturated to allow for continued drainage of fluid postoperatively [5–7].
Figure 2.
Surgical removal of cervical abscess in a bull.
Figure 3.
Cervical abscess lanced from the bull.
Postoperative Care
There was mild skin bleeding post operation but it is normal and helpful to enhance healing excess if prolonged. The bull was placed on a course of broad-spectrum antibiotics combination of penicillin-streptomycin injection at the dose rate of 2 ml/20 kg intramuscularly for 5 days, Diclofenac ant the dose rate of 2.5 mg/kg body weight intramuscularly twice daily for 3 days, and Oxytet® spray to prevent reinfection and promote healing. Daily wound care was performed by removal of the gauze-soaked iodine in the cavity, wound dressing, and monitoring for signs of reinfection or abscess recurrence. The wound was completely healed after four weeks. The wound was healed without any reoccurrence or any other complication.
Outcome
The bull made a swift full recovery following surgical management of the lateral cervical abscess. Follow-up administration of multimodal therapy and clinical examinations revealed complete resolution of the swelling and no signs of recurrent infection after four weeks. The bull regained its appetite and normal activity level and was able to return to its normal herd environment without any complications.
Discussion
The successful surgical management of a largelateral cervical abscess in a 5-year-old white Fulani bull is presented in this case report. The bull was diagnosed with a large, fluctuating swelling on the lateralaspect of the neck, which was causing significant discomfort and restricting its appetite for feed. Surgical intervention was necessary to drain and debride the abscess, followed by systemic antibiotic therapy to prevent recurrence.
As noted by Larry and Abscess [6], abscesses can be life-threatening if left untreated or if complications arise. In this case, prompt and effective surgical intervention, followed by appropriate antibiotic therapy, led to a complete resolution of the infection and a successful outcome for the affected animal.
The importance of early recognition and treatment of lateral cervical abscesses in cattle cannot be overstated, as highlighted by Al-Harbi [3]. Further research is needed to explore the underlying causes of abscesses, as suspected risk factors in this case included a mild skin abrasion and underlying stress factors that lowered the bull’s immunity.
Conclusion
Abscess is a pocket of purulent exudate in a circumscribe inflammatory lesion [1,2,3]. This case study highlights the successful surgical management of a large lateral cervical abscess in a five-year-old white Fulani bull. Prompt and effective surgical intervention, followed by tincture iodine-soaked gauze packed in the cavity leaving the cavity half open. Combined antibiotic therapy, Penicillin - Streptomycin led to a complete resolution of the infection and a successful outcome for the affected bull. Veterinarians should be aware of the importance of early recognition and treatment of lateral cervical abscesses in cattle to prevent complications and promote a speedy recovery. Risk factors for the abscess were suspected to be a mild skin abrasion that was infected as well as an underlying stress factor that lowered the immunity of the bull. It is recommended to screened and administered prophylaxis antibiotics to the animals routinely to avoid abscessation[3-11].
Ethical clearance
This case management is a part of the Department of Veterinary Surgery and Diagnostic Imaging, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi Nigeria.
Routine clinical case management, therefore, ethical clearance for animal care and welfare was not required. Information consent was sought from the client, along with permission from the divisional office.
Acknowledgements
The authors are thankful to the management staff of Vincent’s farm for their collaboration and cooperation during the treatment and management of this case.
Conflict of interest
The authors declare they have no conflict of interest.
Funding
The authors declare that this study received no financial support.
