1. Unit 15: Diseases of the Skin & Extremities

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. Unit 15: Diseases of the Skin & Extremities
Treatment
Bucket of ice water for min 2x/d to reduce swelling
Stall rest w/ good bedding
Consult the vet & the farrier

20. Unit 15: Diseases of the Skin & Extremities
Ringworm
Affects cattle, horses, swine, humans
Fungal infection of the skin
Contagious

21. 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

22. 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

23. 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

24. 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

25. 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

26. 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

27. 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

28. Unit 15: Diseases of the Skin & Extremities
Use insect repellant to prevent further problems
May include antiseptic/antibiotic therapy, if needed