An epidermolysis bullosa in a Galloway calf (abstract)

Authors: Leadbetter IR, de Allie C, Alley MR
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 42, Issue 2, pp 77, Apr 1994
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Cattle, Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant
Subject Terms: Congenital disease, Integument/skin/wool/hair/fur/feather, Inherited disease/conditions, Pathology
Article class: Abstract

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Abstract: A congenital skin disease characterised by mild erosion and ulceration of areas exposed to trauma was seen in a 3-day-old Galloway Calf. Bilateral, almost symmetrical erosions were seen on the cheeks, upper and lower lips, nasal plane, hard palate and dorsal surface of the tongue. There was also loss of skin and ulceration from anterior areas of the carpi, upper fetlocks and coronary band of both fore and hindlimbs.
Histologically, there was cleft formation between basal layers of the epidermis and the basement membrane in the skin adjacent to areas of ulceration. The overlying epithelium in some areas showed disorganisation and small protein-filled clefts were sometimes present between cells in the stratum spinosum. This form of epidermolysis most closely resembles the junctional form of epidermolysis bullosa seen in human infants.

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