Skin

3.3.3 Skin If the animal’s hair coat is not smooth, shiny and lying flat, something is wrong....

Is the animal constantly scratching? Does it have skin that is dry, injured, scaly or red? Does it have sores, hair loss or wool loss? If yes, consider parasites as a diagnosis.

This pig is constantly scratching This sheep has areas of wool

loss to due mange

Are there parasites on the skin such as ticks, lice or fleas?

louse tick Is the skin or hair dry, and the hair rough, dull in color and standing up? Consider internal parasites and/or malnutrition.

This calf has rough, dull hair.

Are there blisters (vesicles) on the udder, near the mouth or near the hooves? This may be Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). In sheep this may be contagious ecthyma.

When you pull a fold of skin, does it snap back when you let go or does the fold remain standing? If it remains standing, the animal doesn't have enough liquid in its body. This is called "dehydration.”

Are small holes burrowed in the skin or wounds? Are there white, ugly worms wiggling in the holes? These are screw worms or maggots.

Are there warts, lumps, bumps or swollen areas? Are there signs of injuries to the skin? Is the skin sunburned? (Especially on white pigs or white areas of cattle and horses).