Unit 15: Diseases of the Skin & Extremities. Pink Eye Common in cattle & sheep Can cause losses in weight & production once it starts going through a

Unit 15: Diseases of the Skin & Extremities

Unit 15: Diseases of the Skin & Extremities Pink Eye

Common in cattle & sheep Can cause losses in weight & production once it

starts going through a herd May cause blindness Contagious

Infections spread through eye secretions flies

Recovered cases often still harbor pink eye


Cause Usually bacterial in nature, but can be viral

Also associated with IBR Toxin irritates and erodes covering on the eye Occurs mainly during warm weather Animals of all ages are susceptible

Younger animals tend to be more prone


Clinical Signs Excessive tear production, leading to pus Swelling of the eye Sensitivity to bright light Small, round, white erosion begins on the cornea

Untreated – can rupture

Prevention Tough due to environmental nature of the disease Best to help control flies & other insects


Vaccines often not very effective Treatment

Antibiotic therapy either in the eye, or through IM injection often works

Topical treatment must be done 2-3x/d Depends on the level of infection in the herd


Foot Rot Can affect sheep or cattle

Though the diseases are unrelated Can be acute or chronic Inflammation of the tissue within & around the

foot Can cause arthritic condition in the foot


Cause Often caused by bacteria Proper treatment of the environment and the foot

will often prevent spreading Clinical Signs

Lameness, swelling, odor Inflammation on the front and rear of the foot Moist necrosis Can cause irreparable arthritis & tendonitis


Prevention Improve pasture/lot conditions Foot bath

Treatment Systemic & local antibiotic treatment are

recommended Clean and dress Foot baths 2x/d

Copper sulfate & lime formalin


Laminitis Affects cattle & horses Swelling of the laminae, sensitivity of tissues in

the foot Cattle

Cause Usually from nutritional problems

70% of the cases are related to feeding


Other contributing factors – facilities, genetics, hygiene, animal behavior

Rumen acidosis thought to be the leading cause Laminae associated with the hoof wall & foot bones Pain, ulcer formation Confinement production has increased incidence rates

More pressure and bruising Increased wear of hoof wall

Clinical Signs Hesitant, limping, painful walk Crossing of front legs


Abnormal growth pattern of the hooves Will develop “hardship lines” on the hoof

Hoof claw will flatten and widen Sole ulcers

Prevention Prevent clinical & sub clinical acidosis

Monitor milk fat, peak milk, body condition, etc. Feed more, smaller meals/d Increase forage: concentrate ratio Check TM content


Improve cow comfort Hoof trim

Treatment Anti-inflammatory drugs Open sole ulcers & block the good claw to help w/

drainage Foot baths


Horses Cause

Aka founder Engorgement of grain Swelling in the foot Incorrect or improper foot trimming throws of hoof

balance and can bruise the sole Increased pressure on one foot due to injury Common following colic, and other diseases


Clinical Signs Appear to walk on eggshells Difficulty finding a comfortable position to stand Increased pulse to the foot Hoof becomes warm to the touch Overgrown, flattened hooves

Prevention Proper nutrition Keep feed secure Proper & regular hoof trimming Vaccination & deworming


Treatment Bucket of ice water for 10-15 min 2x/d to reduce

swelling Stall rest w/ good bedding Consult the vet & the farrier


Ringworm Affects cattle, horses, swine, humans Fungal infection of the skin Contagious


Cause Direct contact with infected animals Contaminated brushes, blankets, combs, halters,

feed bunks, stalls, etc. Can be spread by lice Spores somewhat resistant to destruction by

dehydration & sunlight Can live several years in sheds, barns, etc.

Common in animals kept in close quarters Most common in winter


Clinical Signs Skin lesions ~3 wks after infection Inflamed skin, w/ vesicle formation Scally, gray colored crusting Round patches usually ~1/2” Generally found around eyes, ears, neck, tail Loss of hair Rubbing and itching


Prevention No vaccine available Sanitation & disinfection Keep ventilated & dry

Treatment Clip hair from infected area Remove scabs w/ brush & soapy water Cover infected area w/ iodine every three days

until clear


Abscesses Localized collection of pus Can be hot or cold

Hot – acute formation of pus & purulent exudates Cold – chronic accumulation of pus and tissue

disintegration


Causes Bacteria

Responsible for 85% of abscesses in swine Variety of bacteria can cause Usually enter through a skin wound

Clinical Signs Depend on size & location

Range from no signs, to serious inflammation, death Can interfere with other bodily functions, if occur in

the wrong place


Prevention Clean feed and facilities Aseptic treatment procedures Treat affected animals Swine (if a recurring problem)

Feed antibiotics in the ration Oral vaccination Injections in the neck rather than the ham


Treatment Lance when they are soft in the center May check contents with a syringe before opening

to make sure it isn’t a hematoma Don’t open a hematoma

Pus should be smooth, viscous, yellow to white in color

Lance to ensure continual drainage Clean cavity with hydrogen peroxide


Use insect repellant to prevent further problems May include antiseptic/antibiotic therapy, if needed

Documents

Unit 15: Diseases of the Skin & Extremities. Pink Eye Common in cattle & sheep Can cause losses in weight & production once it starts going through a