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