Hello Zena & Lactnet community,
I sent a copy of this to Zena. I know this may be a zebra, but it's worth mentioning in your unusual case.
There is a bacterial disease in cattle that is called "wooden tongue"; it may also affect humans. This condition is usually secondary to tongue trauma. The tongue becomes hard and hangs out of the mouth. Eating is painful and difficult. This condition responds to treatment.
Here are a few references about "wooden tongue":
1. http://www.organic-vet.reading.ac.uk/Cattleweb/disease/Wt/wt1.htm
2. http://www.spc.org.nc/rahs/Manual/BOVINE/ACTNOBACILLOSISE.htm
3. http://www.agric.nsw.gov.au/reader/cattlehealth/a0910.htm
4. http://www.chestjournal.org/cgi/content/full/118/1/239 a human case, with 6 referenced human cases on Medline and ISI
#3 "Wooden tongue occurs almost entirely in soft tissue. The tongue and lymph nodes of the head are commonly involved. The disease has a sudden onset, with the tongue becoming hard, swollen and painful. ... unable to eat or drink , ... rapid loss of condition. They drool saliva and may appear to be chewing gently. The tongue often protrudes .... Nodules and ulcers may be visible on the sides of the tongue." Eventually the tongue shrinks, but is still hard.
#4 "Unfortunately, misdiagnosis and delay in diagnosis are extremely common in Actinomyces infection. ...Actinomyces species are notoriously slow to grow in culture, and overgrowth by accompanying bacteria is a major problem.1 Thus, the laboratory must be notified of the suspicion of Actinomyces infection to increase the odds of a successful culture. When collecting and examining a specimen, granules should be sought and, if present, should be crushed between two slides for Gram's stain"
Has the physician examined the mouth, jaw & the regional lymph nodes? Is the tongue swollen? Does the tongue have any lesions, such as nodules or ulcers? Is there any drainage from the lesions? Were any abscesses found? Is there any respiratory condition, such as a cough? How is the baby's intake and output? How is the baby's general condition?
IMO this baby needs immediate aggressive attention from a physician. A thorough neurological exam is needed as suggested by another LACTNET reader. Culture any lesion on the tongue and notify the lab that Actinomyces infection is suspected. Examine pus microscopically.
My heart goes out to this family. Please let us know how this problem is resolved.
Sincerely,
Nancy Carter, D.V.M, mom of 6 bf blessings, bf advocate, Lactnet lurker with my first contribution : )
Opelika, Alabama, USA
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re: Date: Tue, 25 May 2004 17:46:36 -0700
From: "Zena, clc" <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Nursing Strike of 8 mo.
...a new kind of nursing strike...
Baby is 8 mos. old., co-sleeping, was nursing frequently during the day and night... just starting to have solids...Baby became sick with severe vomiting...a suspected viral infection.... HCP recommended pedialite. Mom ..tried the pedialite, but baby didn't take to the bottle well (never had bottles before) ...
The vomiting has been resolved for a couple of weeks, but baby won't nurse. Mom can get baby to nurse while baby is asleep, a little, but that is it....baby keeps her tongue hanging out all day and night ...tongue becomes dry and leathery...mom has to wet the tongue with her milk to make nursing possible. Baby often gags when nursing in her sleep. The tongue and gagging problem have mom worried. Can someone please give some helpful info or insights for this dyad?
Zena, CLC WIC Lactation Specialist
Las Vegas, NV
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