Musculoskeletal disorders originating in the skin in sheep and goats:

General Background

The musculoskeletal system (skeletal-musculoskeletal-joints-tendons) may also be affected by skin diseases, when skin lesions cause pain, inflammation, or damage to supporting areas such as hooves, joints, or connective tissues.

Main examples of skin disorders:

1. Foot rot

Cause: Bacteria Dichelobacter nodosus and Fusobacterium necrophorum.

Course of the disease: The bacteria damage the skin between the toes; inflammation, bad odor, soft tissue and severe pain are created.

Effect on movement: Severe lameness, inability to stand or move, decreased appetite and productivity.

Precipitating factors: Dampness, dirt, wet grazing conditions, lack of hoof trimming.

2. Foot scald – skin irritation between the toes

Cause: Usually Fusobacterium necrophorum, but not Dichelobacter nodosus.

Symptoms: Redness and inflammation between the toes, mild to moderate pain.

Effect: Mild lameness, may develop into foot rot if left untreated.

3. Orf (contagious ecthyma – contagious foot and mouth pox)

Cause: Virus from the Parapoxvirus family.

Symptoms: Skin lesions around the mouth, nipples, and sometimes on the hooves.

Effect on movement: When the lesions are around the hoof – pain and lameness.

Contagion: Highly contagious between animals and people.

4. Dermatitis interdigitalis – inflammation of the skin between the toes

Cause: Bacteria or fungi; sometimes prolonged wetness.

Symptoms: Odor, discharge, inflammation of the skin between the toes.

Effect: Lameness, difficulty standing.

5. Cutaneous Abscesses

Cause: Bacteria such as Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis (especially in caseous lymphadenitis) or other bacteria that enter through wounds in the skin.

Symptoms: Painful swelling near joints, muscles, or hooves.

Effect on movement: If the abscess is near a joint or tendon – it will cause lameness.

6. Skin Parasite Infestation

Cause: Mites (Chorioptes, Psoroptes), lice or flies.

Symptoms: Itching, sores, baldness on the skin of the legs.

Effect: Secondary injuries, infections, pain, and sometimes impaired walking.

Treatment and prevention:

Maintaining hygiene and a dry floor.

Regular hoof trimming.

Antibiotic treatment or disinfection with potassium permanganate / formalin / zinc sulfate in foot baths.

Isolation of infected animals.

Vaccination against foot rot and Orf in endemic areas.

*It is always advisable to consult a qualified veterinarian.