Skin disorders in cattle Flashcards
5 infectious causes of skin disease in cattle:
Ringworm
Papillomatosis
Udder cleft dermatitis
Staphylococcus dermatitis
Herpesvirus mamillitis
4 ectoparasitic causes of skin disease in cattle:
Lice
Sarcoptoses
Demodicoses
Chorioptoses
3 non-infectious, non-parasitic causes of skin disease in cattle:
Photosensitive dermatitis
Bovine ischemic teat necrosis
Decubitus / pressure ulcers ala downer cow
Visual clues about skin health in cattle: (5)
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?
Describe ringworm infection in cattle.
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.
4 main Clinical signs of ringworm in calves: (4)
Pruritus
Hair loss
Hyperkeratosis
Weight loss in calves
Diagnosis of ringworm includes:
Clinical signs
Skin/scurf sample
- PCR
- Culture
- Microscopic examination (for hyphae)
Risk factors for ringworm contraction in cattle: (6)
Young age (2 months to 2 years)
Immune deficiency
Other skin lesions
High humidity
Low temperature
Poor ventilation in the barn
What is griseofulvin?
an antifungal drug for systemic use
Treatment of ringworm in cattle.
What is enilconazole?
a topical wash/dip used to treat dermatophytosis (ring worm) in dogs, sometimes in cats and in production animals.
Prevention and elimination of cattle ringworm: (3)
Vaccination with live attenuated fungal vaccine.
Barn and equipment disinfection (spores are very resistant).
Spores are susceptible to high temperatures (+60 degrees).
Vaccination against ringworm.
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.
papillomatosis, or warts
Udder cleft dermatitis (UCD)
What is Udder cleft dermatitis (UCD)?
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.
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.
Types of Cow lice.
Long-nosed cattle louse =
Sucking louse
&
Little red louse =
Biting louse
Long-nosed cattle louse =
Sucking louse
Little red louse =
Biting louse
Describe mange in cattle. (4)
Where are they found?
Name the types.
Non-burrowing found around shoulder and tail.
- Chorioptes bovis
- Psoroptes ovis
Burrowing mites found ventral neck, brisket, head of tail.
- Sarcoptes scabei
- Demodex bovis
Sarcoptes
(S.scabiei, sarcoptic mange, scabies)
Describe sarcoptes in cattle.
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.
sarcoptic mange in a cow
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.
Describe chorioptic mange in cattle.
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.
Treatment of ectoparasites in general. (3)
Eprinomectin pour-on solution.
Systemic treatment with ivermectin like drugs (milk withdrawal 50 days!).
Feeding-management: maintain immunity!
Whats this and describe it
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.
Ischaemic Teat Necrosis (ITN)
