Management of cutaneous bovine papillomatosis in a year-old Sokoto Gudali heifer through marginal resection

Abstract

Bovine papillomatosis is an infectious viral condition with cutaneous oncogenic characteristics. The disease is caused by bovine papillomavirus. It is transmitted by vertical spreading, arthropod vectors, and direct skin contact. Understanding the type of tumor, its clinical stage, and anticipated biological behaviors are crucial factors in the surgical oncology approach. A year-old Sokoto Gudali Heifer weighing approximately 80kg was presented to the Veterinary Clinic Sokoto with complaints of head rashes that spread to other parts of the body. On clinical examination, there were numerous, varying-sized cauliflower-like outgrowths with offensive odor and fly swarm. Cutaneous bovine papillomatosis was diagnosed based on clinical findings and supported by histopathology, and the Heifer was scheduled for marginal resection of the tumor. The surgery was successfully conducted; the Heifer was discharged two weeks after the surgery. Marginal resection approach was used in this case report and it involves the complete removal of a tumor leaving only a microscopic lesion, and ivermectin injection serves as a successful adjunct therapy in the treatment of cutaneous bovine papillomatosis. Different levels of aggressiveness should be taken into consideration when managing this type of tumor.