The occurrence of congenital porphyrinuria (pink tooth) in cattle in South Africa (Swaziland)

Abstract

1. The occurrence of congenital porphyrinuria in 13 bovines, all of which are the progeny of one bull, is described. 2. 77 per cent. of the affected animals are males and 23 per cent. are females. In this respect the incidence of the condition resembles the analogous condition in humans as well as the incidence of recorded cases of Alcaptonuria and albinism thought to be hereditarily transmitted as recessive characters. 3. The available evidence strongly suggests the hereditary transmission of the condition through a particular bull. 4. Details of the clinical symptoms of four cases are presented. These are the first animal cases of the anomaly available for clinical examination. The teeth are brownish pink, but the enamel is not pigmented. The poor condition and the scabs and crusts on parts of the skin unprotected by hair, are mainly due to the effects of photosensitization. The urine is amber, brown or reddish brown in colour and contains amongst other uro- and copro-porphyrin. 5. "Pink tooth" is suggested as the popular name for the animal cases. This emphasises the clinical feature of the anomaly by means of which it can be easily differentiated from redwater (piroplasmosis).