Vet's views

08/06/2024

Vets what's your dx
Should we do autohemotherapy
Suspected case of papillomatosis

08/06/2024

Contagious ecthyma is an infectious dermatitis of sheep and goats that affects primarily the lips of young animals. The disease is usually more severe in goats than in sheep. People are occasionally affected through direct contact

The causal parapoxvirus is related to pseudocowpox and bovine papillar stomatitis. Infection occurs by contact.

The primary lesion develops at the mucocutaneous junction of the lips and around erupting incisor teeth and may extend to the mucosa of the buccal cavity. Occasionally, lesions are found on the feet and around the coronet, where secondary bacterial infection with Dermatophilus congolensis commonly causes “strawberry footrot.” Ewes nursing infected lambs may develop lesions on the teats extending onto the udder skin. The lesions develop as papules and progress through vesicular and pustular stages before encrusting. Coalescence of numerous discrete lesions often leads to the formation of large scabs, and the proliferation of dermal tissue produces a verrucose mass under them. When the lesion extends to the oral mucosa, secondary necrobacillosis (see Necrotic Laryngitis in Cattle) frequently develops.

Both parenteral and topical antibiotics may help combat secondary bacterial infection of the skin lesions. In endemic areas, appropriate repellents and larvicides should be applied to the lesions to prevent myiasis. The virus is transmissible to people, and the lesions, usually confined to the hands and face, are more proliferative and occasionally very distressing. Veterinarians and sheep handlers should exercise reasonable protective precautions and wear disposable gloves. Diagnosis in people is established by transmitting the virus to sheep; a complement-fixation test may be of value.

08/06/2024

05/06/2024

Caseous LymphadenitisSymptoms:
Swelling and abscess formation, particularly in the lymph nodes.
Abscesses may rupture and discharge thick, caseous (cheese-like) pus.
In more severe cases, abscesses can form in internal organs such as the lungs, liver, and kidneys, leading to systemic illness.
Transmission:
The bacteria are primarily spread through direct contact with ruptured abscesses.
Indirect transmission can occur via contaminated equipment, bedding, or feed.
Wounds or breaks in the skin facilitate entry of the bacteria.
Diagnosis:
Physical examination of abscesses.
Bacterial culture and PCR tests can confirm the presence of C. pseudotuberculosis.Serological tests may also be used to identify antibodies against the bacteria.
Treatment:
There is no definitive cure for CL, but management involves lancing and draining abscesses.
Antibiotics may be used, but their effectiveness is often limited due to the thick nature of the pus.
Culling of severely affected animals may be necessary to control the spread within a herd.
Prevention:
Implement strict biosecurity measures to prevent the introduction and spread of the disease.
Isolate and test new animals before introducing them to the herd.Vaccination can help reduce the incidence of the disease, although it does not completely prevent it.
Management:
Regularly inspect animals for signs of abscesses and separate affected individuals.Maintain good hygiene and sanitation practices.Ensure proper wound care to prevent infections.

05/06/2024

Enzootic ataxia:
also known as swayback, is a neurological disease in goats caused by copper deficiency. It affects young kids and sometimes adult goats. The condition can lead to a variety of clinical signs and symptoms, primarily related to the nervous system and muscle function.
Here's a detailed overview:
Causes:
1-Copper Deficiency: The primary cause is a deficiency of copper, which is essential for the proper development and function of the nervous system.
2-Soil and Pasture:
Copper-deficient soils and pastures lead to low copper content in the forage consumed by goats.
3-Dietary Imbalance: Excessive levels of other minerals, such as molybdenum, sulfur, and iron, can interfere with copper absorption.
Clinical SignsNeurological Symptoms: 1-Unsteady gait, incoordination, and weakness in the hind legs.
2-Muscle Wasting: Progressive muscle wasting and general weakness.
3-Paralysis: Severe cases may lead to partial or complete paralysis.
4-Anemia: Copper is important for hemoglobin formation, so anemia might be present.
5-Hair and Coat: Poor quality or depigmentation of the coat.
DiagnosisClinical Signs:
Observation of typical symptoms.Blood Tests: Measuring copper levels in the blood.Liver Biopsy: Assessing liver copper content.Histopathology: Examining nervous tissue for characteristic lesions.
Treatment and PreventionCopper Supplementation:
1-Oral or injectable copper supplements.
2-Diet Management: Ensuring a balanced diet with adequate copper levels.
3-Pasture Management: Addressing soil deficiencies and balancing mineral intake.
4-Monitoring: Regular monitoring of copper levels in the herd to prevent recurrence.
PrognosisEarly diagnosis and treatment can improve outcomes, but severe cases with significant neurological damage might have a poorer prognosis.

05/06/2024

Auricular hematoma:
Auricular hematoma in goats, while less common than in some other animals, can occur due to similar reasons as in other species, primarily trauma or injury to the ear. Here’s a detailed overview of auricular hematoma in goats:
CausesTrauma:
Rough handling, head-butting, or accidental injury can lead to an auricular hematoma.
Infections:
Ear infections or infestations with parasites like mites can cause goats to scratch or shake their heads excessively, leading to hematomas.
Environmental Factors:
Sharp objects or rough terrain that the goat might come into contact with.
Clinical SignsSwelling:
Noticeable swelling on the ear, which may feel soft and fluctuating.
Pain:
The goat may show signs of discomfort, shaking its head or avoiding having its ear touched.
Deformity:
If untreated, the ear may become permanently deformed.
DiagnosisPhysical Examination:
Observation of a swollen, tender ear.
History:
Checking for recent trauma or symptoms of ear infections or infestations.
TreatmentAspiration:
Using a needle and syringe to remove the collected blood. This is a temporary solution and may require repetition.
Incision and Drainage:
Making a small incision to drain the hematoma and placing a pressure bandage to prevent re-accumulation of blood.
Surgical Intervention:
In some cases, a more thorough surgical approach might be necessary, where an incision is made, the blood is drained, and sutures are placed to prevent the recurrence.
Treating Underlying Causes:
Address any underlying issues such as infections or infestations with appropriate medications.
PreventionEnvironmental Management: Ensuring the living environment is safe and free from sharp objects.
Health Monitoring:
Regularly checking for and promptly treating ear infections or infestations.
Gentle Handling:
Handling goats gently to avoid accidental trauma to the ears.
PrognosisWith Treatment:
The prognosis is good if treated promptly and appropriately. The ear usually heals without significant complications.
Without Treatment:
If left untreated, it can lead to a chronic condition with potential deformity and discomfort.