Successful clinical management of idiopathic subcutaneous emphysema in a Holstein Friesian cow

Abstract

Subcutaneous emphysema (SE) manifests as a clinical condition when air infiltrates soft tissues beneath the skin. This occurrence may manifest in various body regions depending on the underlying etiology, with the chest wall or neck being the most prevalent sites. Typically, it present as painless tissue swelling, accompanied by a distinctive tactile sensation akin to the feeling of touching a sponge when palpated. A primiparous cow was referred to the Large Animal Medicine Unit, Veterinary Clinical Complex, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal with the history of subcutaneous swelling on the body. Physical examination revealed it as subcutaneous emphysema. The treatment included Streptopencillin-5 mg-I/M, Inj-Frusemide-10 mL I/M, for 6 days and Atropine sulphate @ 2.2 mg/45 kg Bwt I/M for 2 days. Subcutaneously Povidone iodine was introduced at each site @ 10 ml for alternative days for three consecutive days. The subcutaneous emphysema had resolved completely on 6th day after treatment.