Mechanism of Erosion of Frog Epidermis in Equine Thrush Examined by Scanning Electron Microscopy

Abstract

The mechanism of erosion of frog epidermis in equine thrush was examined morphologically by means of scanning electron microscopy. Erosion first occurred to the tissue of the intertubular horns, and subsequently involved the decomposition of the horn tubes. Through this successive process, erosion extended to the neighboring intact epidermis and resulted in the formation of ulcerative lesions.
Various types of bacteria showing rod-like, spherical, and staphylococcal forms were found solitarily or in clusters on the surface of the lesion. They seemed to dissolve actively the cornified epidermis around them. This morphological observation on the frog epidermis suggested strongly that in equine thrush microbial factors might play a considerable role in the onset and expansion of the disorder.