Affection of horn

Lecture Note

1. Affection of horn Dr. Bikash Puri Assist. Professor Nepal Polytechnic Institute, Chitwan 1 Dr. Bikash Puri

2. Anatomical Considerations The horns are formed by the cornual processes of the frontal bones. The cornual processes are the osseous structures continuous with the bone of skull. And accordingly with maturity of animal, they become hollow to form a portion of frontal sinus . The entire portion of frontal sinus is lined by mucous membrane The corium of horn is united to the cornual process by periosteum which is traversed by numerous blood vessels . This cornual process is properly covered by the horn. The horn’s base is thin and is continued with epidermis . The horn becomes thicken as it proceeds the apex, where it becomes solid. 2 Dr. Bikash Puri

3. 3 Dr. Bikash Puri

4. Blood supply: Cornual branch of superficial temporal artery and corresponding veins. Nerve supply: Cornual nerve supplies the horn. This is a branch of lachrymal; which is branch of ophthalmic, which is further branch of trigeminal (5 th cranial) nerve . 4 Dr. Bikash Puri

5. Major Horn Affections 1. Avulsions/ evulsion This condition is the separation of the horny covering from the bony core due to direct trauma . Initially, there is diffuse bleeding which is checked sponataneously . This condition should not require any specific treatment. The fly repellent should be applied top ically to prevent form maggot infestation 5 Dr. Bikash Puri

6. Major Horn Affections 2. Fracture The horns usually gets fractured as a result of direct trauma which is due to fighting or an accident. The frontal bone may also involved. Fractured of horn caused haemorrhage into frontal sinus and bleeding from the nostrils which is further complicated with purulent sinus and empyema of sinus . In fractures that are difficult to immobilize, amputation of the horn proximal to fracture site is considered. 6 Dr. Bikash Puri

7. Major Horn Affections 3. Horn cancer Very common condition Symptoms: The horn becomes shaky and fall off later A foul smelling purulent discharge is noticed form nostrils Typical cauliflower like growth is evidenced , when horn fall off or it is amputated. Treatment: No satisfactory treatment. 7 Dr. Bikash Puri

8. Dehorning Site of Operation At the base of the horn 8 Dr. Bikash Puri

9. Control and anesthesia Deep sedation or tranquilization, in recumbent position with the affected horn upright Cornual nerve block Infiltrate local anesthetic at the site of incision . 9 Dr. Bikash Puri

10. Cornual Nerve block 10 Dr. Bikash Puri

11. Surgical technique: Give elliptical incision around the base of the horn . The incision should be 0.5 cm from the horn skin junction. The cornual vessels are located in the temporal fossa by blunt dissection and ligated The skin flap should be ascertained by separating underlying tissues the periostum of frontal bone is exposed . Horn should be removed from the base with the help of saw or embryotomy wire leaving the skin flap. Haemorrhage if any should be ligated The extra bone should be trimmed and both edges of the skin flaps are brought together and sutured by interrupted or mattress suture. 11 Dr. Bikash Puri

12. Disbudding It involves the removal of the horn buds. The ideal age for disbudding is 1-2 weeks old, when the horn buds project 5-10 mm ,, are easily palpable, haemorrhage is nil and a disbudding iron can be used alone. In this age of animal, the horn may be disbudded by application of a local caustic compound ( NaoH , KOH, etc) Indication: Improve stock management To enhance the physical appearance To prevent potential aggressive behavior towards other members of herd to reduce traumatic damage to other individuals, especially udder and skin injury. 12 Dr. Bikash Puri

13. Procedure Analgesia: Achieved by cornual nerve block Technique: Hairs around the base of buds are clipped and site should be prepared aseptically. Vaseline should be applied all around the base of the horn bud and eye should be covered with clean cloth On the horn bud a potassium or sodium hydroxide stick is applied wit firm pressure in a circular fashion till oozing of blood occurs. Or Horn bud is removed with the help of sharp knife along with 0.25 cm wide piece of skin with the base of button. The hemorrhage should be checked by digital pressure. Or Debudding with a hot iron or electrically operated debudder should be applied. The horn bud and its surrounding tissue should be burnt in circular fashion . However, too much pressure should be avoided. 13 Dr. Bikash Puri