UCD VET VIEWS
CALIFORNIA CATTLEMEN'S MAGAZINE
JUNE 2009
WOODY TONGUE: Recognition, Treatment, and Prevention
Many cattle producers have seen cattle with this problem over the years and are
familiar with the disease. It usually occurs sporadically and rarely occurs as an outbreak
in cattle. It is a relatively easy problem to treat successfully; however, if mis-diagnosed
or treated inappropriately it can turn into a much more difficult situation.
What causes Woody Tongue?
The cause of Woody Tongue (also called Actinobacillosis or Wooden Tongue) is
a bacterium named Actinobacillus lignieresii. This is a common species of bacteria
found in the mouth and rumen of cattle and sheep. Ruminants of any age may become
infected although it is more common in animals over one year of age. When cattle eat
coarse feed or plants with sharp stickers these may puncture the tongue or other soft
tissues in the mouth. These small puncture wounds may deposit the Actinobacillus
organism in the soft tissue of the tongue where it sets up an infection. The infection in
the tongue is usually in the form of firm abscesses (nodules) and the tongue may become
nodular in appearance or feel lumpy when palpated. The disease is probably more
common than we think, as the prevalence of Woody Tongue in cattle at slaughter ranges
from 0.7% to 3.6%. Therefore, it is likely some cattle have problems we don't notice or
recognize.
How do I recognize Woody Tongue?
When the tongue becomes infected with the nodular lesions the animal encounters
a number of problems that are noticeable. The tongue is painful and swollen causing the
animal to be unable to pick up food with its tongue. Therefore, they tend not to eat or are
observed to have difficulty eating or swallowing. There is excess salivation (drooling)
commonly noticed. The tongue may be swollen enough that it protrudes from the mouth.
The area below the jaws is often enlarged and firm. On examination, the tongue is very
hard and painful. Also, at the base of the tongue there is often an ulcer filled with plant
awns or stems. Because cattle use their tongue to prehend food, the affected cattle often
stop eating (due to the pain) and lose weight.
What other disease problems could look like Woody Tongue?
Any condition that causes pain or swelling in the mouth could be confused with
Woody Tongue. Therefore, trauma to the back of the throat, foreign bodies in the mouth,
damage to teeth, or a common jaw infection (lumpy jaw or actinomycosis) can be
confused with Woody Tongue. Because excess salivation is common in Woody Tongue,
diseases such as rabies also have to be considered. Because the mouth will be examined
the possibility of rabies transmission must be remembered and if the animal subsequently
dies, a complete post mortem examination, including rabies examination should be done.
