Skin disorders in cattle

Question 1

5 infectious causes of skin disease in cattle:

Answer 1

Ringworm
Papillomatosis
Udder cleft dermatitis
Staphylococcus dermatitis
Herpesvirus mamillitis

Question 2

4 ectoparasitic causes of skin disease in cattle:

Answer 2

Lice
Sarcoptoses
Demodicoses
Chorioptoses

Question 3

3 non-infectious, non-parasitic causes of skin disease in cattle:

Answer 3

Photosensitive dermatitis
Bovine ischemic teat necrosis
Decubitus / pressure ulcers ala downer cow

Question 4

Visual clues about skin health in cattle: (5)

Answer 4

Skin and fur of the animal are indicators of the well-being of the animal. Healthy animals keep their fur clean, if the housing system enables that! (Tie-stalls do not enable it.)

Dry skin, scurf (dandruff) and matted fur are indicators of problems (systemic or local). Alopecia is usually a local problem.

Some diseases cause change in skin or fur color (e.g. deficiencies).

Is the animal scratching itself?
What areas of skin are affected?

Question 5

Describe ringworm infection in cattle.

Answer 5

Fungal infection caused by Trichophyton verrucosum (T. mentagrophytes, Microsporum verrucosum too).

Transmission by contact with diseased animals or equipment (spores spread).

The spores can remain alive for years in a dry environment.

Typically a Disease of calves (2-7 months).

This is a self limiting disease that animals develop immunity to and the infection usually resolves in 2 – 6 months without treatment.

Spores attaching to the hair growing actively and hair is lysed by enzymes. The Fungus lives in hair follicles.

Question 6

4 main Clinical signs of ringworm in calves: (4)

Answer 6

Pruritus
Hair loss
Hyperkeratosis
Weight loss in calves

Question 7

Diagnosis of ringworm includes:

Answer 7

Clinical signs

Skin/scurf sample
- PCR
- Culture
- Microscopic examination (for hyphae)

Question 8

Risk factors for ringworm contraction in cattle: (6)

Answer 8

Young age (2 months to 2 years)
Immune deficiency
Other skin lesions

High humidity
Low temperature
Poor ventilation in the barn

Question 9

What is griseofulvin?

Answer 9

an antifungal drug for systemic use

Question 10

Treatment of ringworm in cattle.

Answer 10

Question 11

What is enilconazole?

Answer 11

a topical wash/dip used to treat dermatophytosis (ring worm) in dogs, sometimes in cats and in production animals.

Question 12

Prevention and elimination of cattle ringworm: (3)

Answer 12

Vaccination with live attenuated fungal vaccine.

Barn and equipment disinfection (spores are very resistant).

Spores are susceptible to high temperatures (+60 degrees).

Question 13

Vaccination against ringworm.

Answer 13

Live attenuated fungal vaccine has
99-100% protection against Trichophyton verrucosum.

Elimination protocol:
All animals are vaccinated two times within a 10-14 days interval.

All calves are vaccinated right after birth and again at the age of 10-14 days.

Vaccination of calves is continued for 3 years (SIC!) even though no clinical signs would not be present at the farm.

Disinfection of the environment.

Question 14

Answer 14

papillomatosis, or warts

Question 15

Answer 15

Udder cleft dermatitis (UCD)

Question 16

What is Udder cleft dermatitis (UCD)?

Answer 16

It is purulent and callous dermatitis between the udder and the thigh, areas may necrose.

This kind of rash is common in heifers and during indoor feeding, and the predisposing factor is udder edema.

The treatment consists of daily washing and disinfection (diluted iodine-based or other wound cleaner) as well as drying and ventilation.

In severe cases it is sometimes necessary to resort to surgical treatment.

The differential diagnosis is teat necrosis disease.

In older cows, the predilection place is between the front lobes of the udder, in the middle under the stomach. Treatment is symptomatic.

Question 17

Answer 17

Herpesvirus mammilitis due to herpes virus 2.

Usually a heifer problem. Comes with fever.
Immune related, should heal on own in 3-10 weeks when heifers immune system kicks in.

Question 18

Types of Cow lice.

Answer 18

Long-nosed cattle louse =
Sucking louse

&

Little red louse =
Biting louse

Question 19

Answer 19

Long-nosed cattle louse =
Sucking louse

Question 20

Answer 20

Little red louse =
Biting louse

Question 21

Signs of lice in cows. (2)

Answer 21

Hair loss &
Itchiness with scratching mainly.

Lice infestations are often asymptomatic, but some infestations are accompanied by severe itching and as a result restlessness, growth retardation, poor coat, secondary damage to the skin, a decrease in production and even anemia in severe infestations.

Question 22

Treatment of lice in cattle.

Answer 22

Treat with pour on solutions: Eprinomectine, deltametrine

Or injectables like ivermectin but they may not work properly for lice.

Treat all animals with 2 week intervals for 2-3 times.

Question 23

Describe mange in cattle. (4)
Where are they found?
Name the types.

Answer 23

Non-burrowing found around shoulder and tail.
- Chorioptes bovis
- Psoroptes ovis

Burrowing mites found ventral neck, brisket, head of tail.
- Sarcoptes scabei
- Demodex bovis

Question 24

Answer 24

Sarcoptes

(S.scabiei, sarcoptic mange, scabies)

Question 25

Describe sarcoptes in cattle.

Answer 25

Sarcoptic mange in cattle is caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, which burrows into the skin, causing intense itching, inflammation, hair loss, crusting, and thickening of the skin. Lesions typically start on the head, neck, and shoulders, and can spread across the body if untreated. This type of mange is highly contagious and can lead to severe discomfort, weight loss, and decreased milk production. Treatment usually involves acaricidal medications, and prevention focuses on isolating affected animals to control the spread.

Question 26

Answer 26

sarcoptic mange in a cow

Question 27

Signs of mange in cattle. (3)

Answer 27

Severe pruritus Serum exudation on the skin Thickening of the skin

Question 28

Treatment of mange in cattle.

Answer 28

Treatment with ivermectin inj. 0.2mg/kg at 2 weeks intervals for 2-4 times. Topical treatment with e.g. doramectin.

Question 29

Answer 29

Choroptic mange in a cow by Chorioptes bovis Cattle may be asymptomatic. Topical treatment with deltametrin. Other names: Leg Mange, Foot and Tail Mange, Symbiotic Mange, Barn Itch.

Question 30

Describe chorioptic mange in cattle.

Answer 30

Chorioptic mange in cattle is a skin condition caused by the Chorioptes bovis mite. It primarily affects the legs, tail, and udder, leading to itching, hair loss, thickened skin, and scabs. Although less severe than other types of mange, it can cause discomfort, secondary infections, and reduced productivity in affected animals. The mites are spread through direct contact and require treatment with acaricides and good hygiene practices to manage and prevent outbreaks.

Question 31

Treatment of ectoparasites in general. (3)

Answer 31

Eprinomectin pour-on solution. Systemic treatment with ivermectin like drugs (milk withdrawal 50 days!). Feeding-management: maintain immunity!

Question 32

Whats this and describe it

Answer 32

Photosensitive dermatitis due to plant or drug ingestion. erythema, edema, alopecia, necrosis, ulceration, itching and pain. Changes are most commonly seen in the areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun the most: face and head, neck, back and lateral parts of the udder and teats. Sometimes fever, tachycardia, colic and central nervous system symptoms. animal must be moved inside to a cool and shady place. The prognosis is good, even if there is necrosis in the skin. Skin damage is treated according to the symptom and flies are repelled from the skin. Anti-inflammatory drugs can also be used in the treatment.

Question 33

Photosensitive dermatitis due to

Answer 33

Photosensitization occurs when a photodynamic agent is either ingested, injected, or absorbed through the skin. The agent enters the systemic circulation in its native form, where it results in skin cell membrane damage after the animal is exposed to ultraviolet light. Some Plants (clover, Alfalfa Brassica, buckwheat), drugs (sulfonamides, tetracyclines). Liver disease can cause it secondarily due to phylloerythrin ( a porphorin) accumulation due to hepatobiliary system failure.

Question 34

Answer 34

Ischaemic Teat Necrosis (ITN)

Question 35

Describe Decubital ulcers in cattle.

Answer 35

Decubital ulcers are defects in the skin resulting from continuous pressure on a particular area leading to tissue ischemia and necrosis. Lesions are usually located over bony prominences. Early treatment while the ulcer is superficial, is essential for survival. Treat ulcers similarly to any open wound: lavage, debridement and if on limbs, bandaging.