Histological changes to the skin of Merino sheep following deep dermal and subcutaneous injections of sodium lauryl sulfate

摘要

Objectives To characterise the changes caused to sheep skin by deep dermal and subcutaneous injections of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and describe the subsequent healing process. Procedure On 6 sheep 20 small areas of skin were each given deep dermaland subcutaneous injections of 0.2 mL of 7% SLS. Biopsies were collected at intervals up to 28 days after treatment and the histological changes in each of the treated skin samples were assessed and graded. Results There was no evidence of alterations inbehaviour, weight gain or appetite of the sheep following the injections. Initial swelling of the treated site subsided by day 14, leaving a firm, slightly raised crust. At day 21, the treated area was depressed and covered by a scab, which sloughed completely by day 28. There was necrosis of the subcutis and deep dermis 2 min after treatment, followed by inflammation, fibroplasia, angiogenesis and tissue remodelling. Conclusion Injection of SLS caused almost immediate local necrosis followed by escharformation, sloughing and scarring of treated skin. Deep dermal and subcutaneous SLS is potentially useful as a chemical alternative to mulesing.