Osteomyelitis of the hyoid bones in two calves

Abstract

Two calves were referred because of ptyalism and difficulty opening the mouth (Calf 1) and for elective umbilical hernia surgery under inhalation anaesthesia (Calf 2). Additional clinical signs were increased breath sounds and swelling in the region of the mandibular angle in Calf 1. Ultrasonography and endoscopy revealed oral inflammation and abscessation in the area of the base of the tongue in both calves. Infection of the hyoid apparatus was suspected based on ultrasonographic findings and confirmed by means of computed tomography. In Calf 1, there was no response to treatment with systemic antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and local lavage, and Calf 2 was not treated. Both calves were euthanized because of a poor prognosis and the diagnoses confirmed during postmortem examination. In Calf 1, the abscess was associated with complete destruction of the left epihyoid bone and partial destruction of the left stylohyoid and ceratohyoid bones. In Calf 2, the abscess was located at the distal end of the right stylohyoid bone near the epihyoid bone. Stomatitis or laryngeal and pharyngeal abscessation caused by sharp feed particles are common in cattle and infection of the hyoid apparatus should be included in the differential diagnosis.

Computed tomographic diagnosis: Traumatic lingual process fracture and surgical resection

“…The underlying cause was assumed to be osteomyelitis secondary to infection after perilaryngeal injection (Chalmers et al 2006a). Osteomyelitis of the stylohyoid secondary to infectious pharyngeal abscesses has also been recently described in calves (Nuss et al 2015).…”

“…Osteomyelitis of the stylohyoid secondary to infectious pharyngeal abscesses has also been recently described in calves (Nuss et al . ).…”

Microbiological aspects of osteomyelitis in veterinary medicine: drawing parallels to the infection in human medicine

“…As a consequence of pain and difficulties in chewing feed, low body condition appears and even increased mortality has been demonstrated (Konjević et al 2011 ; Azorit et al 2012 ). Osteomyelitis of the hyoid bones has been described in calves following mandibular injuries (Nuss et al 2015 ).…”