GIOVANNI CAPUZZELLO Giovanni.Capuzzello@nottingham.ac.uk
Clinical Assistant Professor in Farm Animal Health and Welfare
A case of bovine erythropoietic protoporphyria in a female Limousin calf
CAPUZZELLO, GIOVANNI; Kaczmarska, Adriana; Gutierrez Quintana, Rodrigo; Jonsson, Nicholas N.; Viora, Lorenzo
Authors
Adriana Kaczmarska
Rodrigo Gutierrez Quintana
Nicholas N. Jonsson
Lorenzo Viora
Abstract
Bovine erythropoietic protoporphyria (BCEPP) is a rare genetic disorder predominantly affecting Limousin and, sporadically, Blonde Aquitaine cattle. It arises from diminished or absent ferrochelatase activity, causing the toxic build up of protoporphyrin in tissues. This accumulation leads to photosensitivity and seizures upon exposure to sunlight. Here, we report a case of a female Limousin calf exhibiting BCEPP signs, including photosensitivity, skin lesions, ataxia, and seizure. Clinical examination and ancillary tests ruled out photosensitivity related to direct ingestion or hepatogenous toxins. Photosensitivity due to aberrant porphyrin accumulation, specifically BCEPP and Congenital Erythropoietic Porphyria (CEP), emerged as the primary differential diagnoses. Notably, the absence of characteristic signs such as “pink teeth” and anaemia, which are indicative of CEP, distinguished BCEPP. A homozygous autosomal recessive mutation in the ferrochelatase gene (FECH) confirmed the BCEPP diagnosis by genetic testing. The animal's welfare led to euthanasia and subsequent farm control strategies aimed at preventing further genetic transmission. To eliminate the chance of transmitting the genetic mutation, the decision was made to switch to a pure Aberdeen Angus bull. In conclusion, this case emphasises the significance of a comprehensive diagnostic approach. The farm history, clinical examination, and ancillary testing helped to narrow down other differential diagnoses further. The distinction between BCEPP and CEP rested on observable clinical indicators and breed specificity. The targeted genetic testing confirmed BCEPP paving the way for the correct herd health approach.
Citation
CAPUZZELLO, G., Kaczmarska, A., Gutierrez Quintana, R., Jonsson, N. N., & Viora, L. (2024). A case of bovine erythropoietic protoporphyria in a female Limousin calf. Large Animal Review, 30(5), 223-226
Journal Article Type | Article |
---|---|
Acceptance Date | Sep 11, 2024 |
Online Publication Date | Oct 9, 2024 |
Publication Date | Oct 9, 2024 |
Deposit Date | Oct 9, 2024 |
Publicly Available Date | Oct 10, 2024 |
Journal | Large Animal Review |
Print ISSN | 1124-4593 |
Peer Reviewed | Peer Reviewed |
Volume | 30 |
Issue | 5 |
Pages | 223-226 |
Keywords | Inherited disease, bovine, erythropoietic protoporphyria, rare disease |
Public URL | https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/40558817 |
Related Public URLs | https://www.largeanimalreview.com/index.php/lar/index |
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