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FIG 1: Necrotic rings on the tail of a buffalo with tail gangrene
FIG 2: Successfully treated tail lesion
Treatment of tail gangrene in buffaloes SIR, – Tail gangrene/necrosis in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) of all breeds, irrespective of sex, is common in all countries maintaining herds of buffaloes. In Punjab, India, the condition is commonly called ‘Bahmani’. It has been reported that metabolic disturbances occur in the dermis and epidermis, which have been indicated to be the predisposing cause for necrosis of the last vertebrae of the tail (Filipov and others 1986). George and others (1970) observed that tail gangrene in buffaloes was common and several possible causes were identified, including Corynebacterium bovis, deficiency of fatty acids and microfilaria. They also stated that ‘amputation has been the only effective treatment’ for this affliction. The cause of tail gangrene is disputed, and docking or even burning with hot oil is practised as a routine cure. These techniques are very painful and can inflict serious injuries, which sometimes worsen, and may result in decreased milk production. Moreover, the value of tail-docked animals is reduced. Even after docking once, the necrotic ring may still appear again on the upper part of the tail. Dhillon and Singh (2003) reported the successful 176
treatment of tail gangrene in buffaloes. Further field studies were conducted and 10 cases of tail gangrene in buffaloes identified and treated. The clinical signs were recorded. There was no rise in body temperature and feeding was normal in the affected animals. Loss of hair was observed over the necrotic ring and the lesions were usually restricted to the swish of the tail, that is, the hairy part of the tail. One or two necrotic rings were seen (Fig 1). The area below the ring was oedematous and painful when pressed. Blood could be seen in some lesions, which became infected after contamination with urine and faeces. In untreated cases the lower portion below the necrotic ring usually shed-off. For treatment of the lesion, the hairs around the necrotic ring were cut and the area cleaned with methylated spirit. After drying, a powder comprising zinc oxide, kaolin and boric acid in equal parts by weight was dusted all over the ring. A piece of cotton wool was placed around the lesion and bandaged to keep everything in position. Dressings were repeated daily. It took four to seven days for complete recovery depending upon the extent of the lesion. Granulated tissue appeared on the lesion in three to four days and within the next two to three days scar tissue was formed and healthy tissue appeared (Fig 2). The recovery rate in treated cases was 100 per cent. It is concluded that docking of the tail should be avoided, and tail gangrene in buffaloes be treated as described. K. S. Dhillon, Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jasmer Singh, Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Hardeep Kumar, Mandeep Singh Bal, K. S. Sandhu, Department of
Epidemiology and Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Balbir Bagicha Singh, Department of Veterinary Public Health, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India. References DHILLON, K. S. & SINGH, J. (2003) Treatment of gangrene of tail in buffaloes. Punjab Veterinary Journal 3, 19-20 FILIPOV, ZH., BODUROV, N., BINEV, K. & BORISOV, I. (1986) Necrosis of tail in buffaloes. Veterinary Medicine Nauki 23, 66-71 GEORGE, P. O., CHURAN, J. V. & ABYAS, N. M. (1970) Necrosis of the tail in bovine animals. Veterinary Record 87, 231-233
The Veterinary Record, February 4, 2006
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Treatment of tail gangrene in buffaloes K. S. Dhillon, Jasmer Singh, Hardeep Kumar, et al. Veterinary Record 2006 158: 176
doi: 10.1136/vr.158.5.176-b
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