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Published on: October 12, 2012
Bone marrow response in cattle with chronic dermatitis caused by Psoroptes ovis
1Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Ohio State University, Columbus.
Veterinary Pathology
|September 1, 1987
Summary
Hereford calves infested with Psoroptes ovis developed severe skin disease and bone marrow hyperplasia. Neutropenia in these cattle was not caused by bone marrow suppression from mite toxins.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Dermatology
- Hematology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Psoroptes ovis (sheep scab mite) infestation causes significant economic losses in cattle.
- The hematological and bone marrow responses to P. ovis infestation in cattle are not well understood.
- Neutropenia is a common finding in mange, but its underlying mechanism is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hematological and bone marrow changes in Hereford heifer calves infested with Psoroptes ovis.
- To determine the mechanism of neutropenia associated with P. ovis mange.
Main Methods:
- Six Hereford heifer calves were experimentally infested with P. ovis.
- Six uninfested calves served as controls.
- Hematological parameters, plasma protein concentrations, and sternal bone marrow core biopsies were analyzed 7 weeks post-infestation.
Main Results:
- Infested calves developed severe exudative dermatitis (100% body surface) and moderate nonregenerative anemia.
- Neutropenia and lymphopenia were observed in infested calves, alongside increased plasma protein and fibrinogen.
- Bone marrow biopsies revealed 75-90% cellularity with myeloid hyperplasia, increased M:E ratio, and depleted mature neutrophils.
Conclusions:
- Psoroptes ovis infestation induces significant myeloid hyperplasia in cattle bone marrow.
- Mange-related neutropenia in cattle is likely due to increased neutrophil utilization or margination, not bone marrow suppression by mite-associated toxins.
