Bottle Jaw Disease in Cattle, Goats, and Sheep

Bottle jaw disease mostly affects cattle, goats, and sheep.  It is an abnormal swelling that occurs below the jaw due to the accumulation of fluid under the skin. This represents that the liver is not functioning well, and the body is losing protein because of internal parasites and Johne’s disease. Generally, in grazing animals, this fluid accumulates under the jaw giving the animal a “bottle-shape” shape. Bottle jaw disease is a symptom of Johne’s disease being in its late stages.

At Refit Animal Care, we intend to spread awareness about various diseases occurring in cattle, poultry, sheep, goats, horses, pigeons, and livestock. As a part of it, this blog highlights the causes of bottle jaw, bottle jaw symptoms, prevention, and treatment of bottle jaw disease in cattle, goats, and sheep. This blog also discusses once the animal gets affected with it how long does it take for bottle jaw to go away or be cured. 

Causes of Bottle Jaw Disease

• The major cause is Liver fluke infestations.
• These parasites damage the liver and hinder protein production, leading to fluid accumulation under the jaw in grazing animals.
• Protein production is crucial for fluid balance. 
• Nutritionally deficient feed.
• Lack of essential proteins, particularly albumin. 
• Albumin deficiency occurs due to poor-quality feed or feed with inadequate protein, or conditions within the body that limit protein absorption.
• The onset of bacterial infection (Paratuberculosis) also known as Johne’s Disease leads to bottle jaw in cattle, sheep, and goats.
• Johne’s disease damages the intestines severely. 
• Nutrition absorption is affected due to damage in intestines.
• Bottle jaw disease is a symptom of Johne’s disease being in its late stages.

Bottle Jaw Symptoms

• Swelling under the jaw and continues till the throat region.
• Lethargic behavior.
• Loss of appetite.
• Pale gums and inner eyelids with parasitic accumulation.
• Severe weight loss.
• Decrease nutritional absorption
• Nutritional deficiency
• Reduced milk production

How Long Does Bottle Jaw Take to Go Away?

• Depends on the cause and the severity of the condition. 
• Proper treatment for nutritional deficiencies, can help cure them within weeks or months. 
• But if bottle jaw is because of Johne’s disease, then there is no cure.

Treatment of Bottle Jaw Disease

• Immediately contact your local veterinarian.
• Depending on severity, they will prescribe antibiotics to remove parasites from the body. 
• Based on the deficiency identified by your local veterinarian, they will prescribe protein feed supplements and other cattle feed supplements. 
• Fluids and electrolytes can be administered intravenously by your local veterinarian in severe cases. 

Prevention of Bottle Jaw Disease

• Regular Deworming Program will help you to have your herd free from parasites.
• Always provide a highly nutritious, balanced diet to your herd.  
• Addition of cattle feed supplements time-to-time to their diet will help you provide nutrition regularly and in the required quantity.
• Consult your veterinarian for feed supplements.
• Maintain a hygienic and clean environment.
• Provide clean drinking water facility.
• Regularly disinfect feeding and watering areas to avoid any viral, bacterial, or fungal infections.
• Quarantine new animals, observe, and check them for any infection before mixing them with your healthy herds.

Bottle jaw is not a disease in itself, but it is a symptom of the more severe disease being caused within the body of cattle, goats, and sheep.  It represents the last stage of Johne’s Disease.  Be cautious and always feed your animals nutritious food so that their immune system remains strong enough to fight any infections in the early stages.  Usage of branded, well-known, and proven feed supplements from Refit Animal Care can help you maintain your nutritional requirements. Contact us for any further information.

Always buy trustworthy feed supplements from a trustworthy brand for your herds. Remember, health is wealth and if it is not maintained properly, it may lead to productivity loss and financial loss too!