Synonyms

Omphalitis / Omphalophlebitis

Name of the disease in English

No name known

The disease in brief

This is a final stage of inflammation with the formation of an abscess. The inflammation can involve the umbilical artery and vein, the urachus canal and adjacent tissues; the pus is concentrated in the abscess with a more or less watertight shell. The infection can remain localized or be complicated by liver abscess, arthritis and calf septicemia. Many bacteria in the environment can cause this infection.

Cases are most often isolated, with a frequency varying from one herd to another depending on the housing conditions and the hygienic care given to the newborn.

Clinic & diagnosis

The navel is swollen with frequently a thinned and depilated area of skin on the surface (alopecia); palpation is more or less painful, but often reveals an area of fluctuation (liquid content). General signs are irregularly observed at this stage. The search for possible internal or articular extensions of complications is essential.

Typical sign of the disease

No description

Pictures

See below

Diagnostic formulas

No description

Differential diagnosis

Umbilical hernia: CH9

Associated hernia and omphalitis: CH1.2

- Infected urachus canal (or abscess) N13

-Deep abscess of the navel-To be specified CH1.5

Confirm a suspicion?

Puncture of the abscess allows the suspicion to be confirmed.

Prognosis and treatment

The prognosis is favorable but must be reserved in the event of suspected complications or depending on the possible extension.

Debridement and drainage of the abscess through a sufficiently large incision are essential. Detersion of the cavity with an antiseptic is desirable for several consecutive days.

Except for extension and complications, local treatment is sufficient. Broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy (e.g. amoxicillin, penicillin dihydrostreptomycin, oxytetracycline) simultaneous with debridement/drainage/detersion is possible for a limited duration, 2 to 3 days.

Prevention

Good ventilation of nurseries is the basic rule to limit bacterial development around calves.

Disinfection of the navel of newborns by soaking in iodine tincture is the gold standard practice.

References

Large animal internal medicine-Field Guide. SMITH B.BP. Mosby edition-Page 111