Clinical Examination of Farm Animals - CYF MEDICAL DISTRIBUTION
Clinical Examination of Farm Animals - CYF MEDICAL DISTRIBUTION
Clinical Examination of Farm Animals - CYF MEDICAL DISTRIBUTION
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<strong>Clinical</strong> <strong>Examination</strong> <strong>of</strong> the Skin<br />
Large subcutaneous<br />
abscess<br />
Hair loss through rubbing in<br />
feed passage<br />
Skin damage<br />
sustained in<br />
parlour or<br />
cubicle<br />
house<br />
Figure 4.1 Skin <strong>of</strong> cow showing damage sustained in her environment. Note areas <strong>of</strong> hair loss and a large subcutaneous abscess.<br />
their diagnosis and treatment may provide a useful<br />
background <strong>of</strong> information which will assist in the<br />
evaluation <strong>of</strong> the present case.<br />
The history <strong>of</strong> the patient, including recent contacts<br />
with other cattle at shows or markets, may also be<br />
important. Recent changes in diet and management<br />
should be noted. Poor nutrition can give rise to a dull,<br />
dry, thin and brittle coat. Loss <strong>of</strong> condition may have<br />
contributed to poor skin health which can itself then<br />
lead to further deterioration in the animal’s general<br />
health. Specific points in the history <strong>of</strong> the patient<br />
may be useful. The stockperson may report frequent<br />
rubbing by the animal, suggesting pruritus. Failure<br />
to ensure an adequate supply <strong>of</strong> minerals and vitamins<br />
can contribute to poor skin health. Details <strong>of</strong><br />
previous treatment given and the response to such<br />
treatment may also provide useful information.<br />
The environment <strong>of</strong> modern cattle, especially the<br />
dairy cow, contains many features that may damage<br />
the skin. The cubicles, the parlour and the floor may<br />
have abrasive surfaces or sharp corners that can<br />
cause injury to the skin, <strong>of</strong>ten repeatedly. Such problems<br />
in the environment are especially likely to be<br />
important if a number <strong>of</strong> cattle in the herd are seen<br />
with identical superficial injuries. Overcrowding<br />
and insufficient feeding facilities may also contribute<br />
to poor coat condition including superficial skin<br />
damage (Fig. 4.1).<br />
Abnormalities such as a very poor coat, evidence<br />
<strong>of</strong> excessive self-grooming or large areas <strong>of</strong> alopecia<br />
may be seen from a distance, but the areas <strong>of</strong> the<br />
skin must be closely examined too. Opportunities<br />
to examine the skin arise as each part <strong>of</strong> the body is<br />
examined, but in order to get a general impression<br />
<strong>of</strong> the skin it can be assessed separately before the<br />
more detailed examination <strong>of</strong> each area begins.<br />
Visual appraisal <strong>of</strong> the skin<br />
The whole body surface is methodically inspected<br />
initially from a distance and then more closely, looking<br />
for areas <strong>of</strong> abnormal skin or hair which will later<br />
be subjected to closer scrutiny. Healthy animals have<br />
lick marks on their skin, especially over the flank<br />
and shoulders. Pruritus, for example that caused by<br />
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