Photosensitivity in South Africa. V. A comparative study of the ovine hepatogenous photosensitivity diseases, facial eczema and geeldikkop (Tribulosis ovis), with special reference to their pathogenesis

Abstract

The subject of this study was the pathological and scanning electron microscopical changes in the biliary systems of sheep suffering from facial eczema or geeldikkop (Tribulosis ovis), or made photosensitive by ligation of the common bile duct. While an obliterative cholangitis is responsible for the retention of phylloerythrin in facial eczema, the occlusion of bile ducts with crystalloid material (microliths) appear to perform a similar function in geeldikkop. The similarities and differences between the 2 diseases are discussed in the light of their pathogenetic mechanisms.