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Description: This photograph shows marked parakeratosis on the foot with reddened skin and eruptions that then cause scabs and fissures. Parakeratosis is the main clincal sign of a Zn deficiency in swine and is caused by excess keratinization of the epidermis accompanied by a brown exudate and alopecia. This disease only affects the epidermal layer of the skin and is characterized by outstanding lesions that form horny scales and fissures. The pasterns, fetlock, knee, and hock regions are the first to be affected. Crust and scabs can occur on the ear, tail, hips, thighs or shoulders at an early age, but in most cases the scale spreads until it affects a large area of the body. Secondary infections can occasionally occur in the cracks and fissures causing them to fill with a sticky exudate. Stunted growth is often associated with Zn deficiency due to anorexia. Some additional signs include scouring, vomiting, and in severe cases death.

Resolution: 2316x1893

File Size: 1.85 MB