Laryngeal Contact Ulcers in Feedlot Cattle

Abstract

Abstract. Of 30,444 larynges from fattened cattle at three companies, 3,985 (13.1%) had contact ulcers or ulcer scars in the mucous membranes over the vocal processes and medial angles of the arytenoid cartilages. The incidence was higher in cattle fed during fall than in cattle fed during other seasons. We hypothesize: 1. that some feedlot cattle develop acute mucositis from mixed infections with species of Pasteurella, Haemophilus, Mycoplasma, and viruses in the nose, pharynx, and larynx; 2. that reflex coughing and swallowing accelerate the rate of larynx closure; and 3. that the closures erode the swollen membrane over the vocal processes and medial angles of the arytenoid cartilages and thus produce primary contact ulcers.Laryngeal ulcers, either unilateral or bilateral, develop in mucous membranes over the arytenoid cartilages. These lesions, apparently benign and lacking clinical manifestations, have received slight attention in science laboratories and infrequent mention in veterinary literature. In acute stages, however, they may inhibit eating, retard weight gain, and acquire infections, and thus cause economic losses to producers, packers, and consumers.Beginning in summer 1977 and continuing through four consecutive seasons, we examined larynges from fattened cattle at slaughter. This report enumerates and describes the ulcers. Materials and MethodsThis investigation was conducted at three eastern Colorado meat packing establishments: Companies 1, 2, and 3. Each company killed about 2,000 cattle per work day throughout the year. All operations were conducted under federal inspection.Most cattle were Herefords, Angus, Charolais, and their crosses. They had been fed for 90 to 140 days on high-concentrate rations in feedlots in eastern Colorado, western Nebraska. and western Kansas. Their ages at slaughter ranged from 15 to 18 months. Most carcasses were graded good or choice. Soon after arriving at a feedlot, most cattle were vaccinated against infectious bovine rhinotracheitis and leptospirosis, implanted with anabolic pellet, and 667

Vocal process granuloma

“…45 The largest series reported of contact ulcers (3985 cases) represented 13.1% of the 30,444 larynges that were evaluated after sacrifice of fatted cattle. 46 Among those cattle affected, either contact ulcers or ulcer scars were identified in the mucous membranes over the vocal processes and medial angles of the arytenoid cartilages. Viral and bacterial infections causing mucositis in the larynx, as well as accelerated rate of laryngeal closure from reflex coughing and swallowing, were implicated in the development of erosions over the vocal process.…”

Tracheal Stenosis in Feedlot Cattle

“…Organisms (number of cases) found were Escherichia coli (9 cases), Clostridiumperfringens (5), Actinomycespyogenes (4), Pasteurella multocida (4), C. novyi (3), Streptococcus dysgalactiae (S. equisimilis subsp. dysgalactiae) (3), and P. haemolytica (2).…”

“…9,10 There are several reports of malignant tumors; however, the vast majority of cases were documented in the early 1900s. 3 Squamous cell carcinoma and transitional cell carcinoma have been most frequently identified in the literature. 2,4,7 This report describes a malignant primary urinary bladder tumor in a filly.…”

Surgical Management of Common Disorders of Feedlot Calves

“…However, laryngitis may also be associated with laryngeal ulceration and infection with Pasteurella spp, Haemophilus spp, and Mycoplasma spp. 28 Infection is established when the bacteria gain access to submucosal tissues through abrasions or disruption of the overlying mucosae. Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus infection should be suspected when extensive laryngotracheitis and pseudomembrane formation is found.…”

“…Laryngeal granuloma may be formed as a result of trauma to the arytenoid cartilage or vocal cords (rough feeds, balling gun, orogastric tube), infection (necrotic laryngitis), infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, laryngeal ulcers, 28 and foreign bodies. 34 Differential diagnoses should include laryngeal abscess, hematoma, neoplasia, and papilloma.…”