LUMPY JAW Meaning and
Definition
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Lumpy jaw, also known as actinomycosis, is a medical condition that primarily affects the jaw and surrounding areas. It is a chronic infectious disease caused by the bacteria Actinomyces bovis, which is commonly found in the mouth and digestive tract of animals, often transmitted through contaminated feed. The condition is most prevalent in livestock animals, especially cattle, though it can rarely affect humans as well.
The name "lumpy jaw" is derived from the prominent symptom of the disease, which is the presence of hard, non-painful, and irregular lumps or abscesses on the affected animal's jawbone and facial area. These lumps form due to the bacteria infiltrating the soft tissue and subsequently hardening as they progress. Symptoms of the lumpy jaw may also include swelling, facial deformities, difficulty eating or drinking, weight loss, and excessive drooling.
Lumpy jaw is a progressive condition and can spread to other areas of the head, neck, and chest, causing further abscesses and tissue damage. If left untreated, it can lead to severe complications such as damage to vital organs, sepsis, and even death.
Treatment of lumpy jaw usually involves a combination of surgical drainage of abscesses, administration of antibiotics, and immune support. In some cases, surgical removal of affected areas may be necessary. Preventive measures such as good dental hygiene, vaccination, and proper animal husbandry practices can help reduce the risk of lumpy jaw in livestock populations.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for LUMPY JAW
- kumpy jaw
- pumpy jaw
- oumpy jaw
- lympy jaw
- lhmpy jaw
- ljmpy jaw
- limpy jaw
- l8mpy jaw
- l7mpy jaw
- lunpy jaw
- lukpy jaw
- lujpy jaw
- lumoy jaw
- lumly jaw
- lum-y jaw
- lum0y jaw
- lumpt jaw
- lumpg jaw
- lumph jaw
- lumpu jaw
Etymology of LUMPY JAW
The term "lumpy jaw" came into use in the late 1800s to describe a condition that affects livestock, particularly cattle. It refers to a disease called Actinomycosis, also known as "wooden tongue" or "lumpy jaw disease".
The word "lumpy" in "lumpy jaw" simply describes the appearance of the affected area, which becomes swollen and forms lumps or abscesses. The term "jaw" refers to the location of the infection, as Actinomycosis typically affects the head and neck region of animals, including the jawbone.
As for the etymology of "Actinomycosis", it combines two Greek words: "aktis" meaning "ray" or "beam" and "mykes" meaning "fungus".
Similar spelling words for LUMPY JAW
