Abstract: Challenges in the diagnosis and management of skin diseases in alpacas, goats, pigs, and sheep
May 26, 2023 —
Abstract: Challenges in the diagnosis and management of skin diseases in alpacas, goats, pigs, and sheep
The primary aim of this article is to provide an overview of several selected skin conditions in livestock species. Topics include ectoparasites in alpacas, antler velvet in reindeer, immune-mediated disease in goats, ectoparasites in pigs, Culicoides allergic dermatitis and parapox infection in sheep. When dealing with skin disease in livestock, it is important to collect a detailed history and undertake a thorough clinical examination to include the axilla, groin, limbs and feet. While the diagnosis will often be anticipated from the history and presentation, it is important to consider a differential diagnosis list and appropriate diagnostic testing before embarking on a poly-pharmacy approach to "rule out" causes of disease. This is particularly important where morbidity is high and the livestock of perceived high value to the keeper/owner, such as goats and small-breed pigs, or when the skin condition is long standing/chronic. Ideally, the management plan should sequentially clarify the role of microbial infection and then ectoparasites before considering less common allergic and autoimmune conditions. Skin cytology is an invaluable in-house diagnostic method that can support the findings of culture. Taking skin samples for histopathology and possibly culture may prove valuable once other diagnostic methods have been explored. Given the need to protect the use of parenteral antimicrobials, topical antimicrobial therapies can be deployed successfully. The repeated use of macrocyclic lactones (avermectins) must be balanced in terms of the risks of promoting anthelmintic resistance versus controlling or eradicating the ectoparasites that have, ideally, been specifically identified.
Foster, A. P. (2023). Challenges in the diagnosis and management of skin diseases in alpacas, goats, pigs, and sheep, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (published online ahead of print 2023). Retrieved May 2, 2023, from https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.22.12.0572
- Next story: USDA, DHS Cut Ribbon on National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility
- Next in category: Abstract: One Health surveillance-A cross-sectoral detection, characterization, and notification of foodborne pathogens
- Previous in category: Abstract: A stochastic compartmental model to simulate intra- and inter-species influenza transmission in an indoor swine farm
- Previous story: People on the Move, New Grad Edition: Dr. Hannah Jansen