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
Unit 15: Diseases of the Skin & Extremities
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
Unit 15: Diseases of the Skin & Extremities
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
Unit 15: Diseases of the Skin & Extremities
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
Unit 15: Diseases of the Skin & Extremities
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
Unit 15: Diseases of the Skin & Extremities
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
Unit 15: Diseases of the Skin & Extremities
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
Unit 15: Diseases of the Skin & Extremities
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
Unit 15: Diseases of the Skin & Extremities
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
Unit 15: Diseases of the Skin & Extremities
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
Unit 15: Diseases of the Skin & Extremities
Improve cow comfort Hoof trim
Treatment Anti-inflammatory drugs Open sole ulcers & block the good claw to help w/
drainage Foot baths
Unit 15: Diseases of the Skin & Extremities
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
Unit 15: Diseases of the Skin & Extremities
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
Unit 15: Diseases of the Skin & Extremities
Treatment Bucket of ice water for 10-15 min 2x/d to reduce
swelling Stall rest w/ good bedding Consult the vet & the farrier
Unit 15: Diseases of the Skin & Extremities
Ringworm Affects cattle, horses, swine, humans Fungal infection of the skin Contagious
Unit 15: Diseases of the Skin & Extremities
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
Unit 15: Diseases of the Skin & Extremities
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
Unit 15: Diseases of the Skin & Extremities
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
Unit 15: Diseases of the Skin & Extremities
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
Unit 15: Diseases of the Skin & Extremities
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
Unit 15: Diseases of the Skin & Extremities
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
Unit 15: Diseases of the Skin & Extremities
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
Unit 15: Diseases of the Skin & Extremities
Use insect repellant to prevent further problems May include antiseptic/antibiotic therapy, if needed
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