Recent Valley Cases
Ear flicking and a peeling nose- Must be Lantana season!
We can almost guarantee it, a week after rain or a shower when everywhere is greening up the Lantana toxicity calls come in, and this is typically what it looks like:
Whilst other liver toxicities can cause similar signs, in this area, as most farmers will tell you, the classic "Lantana ear flick", shade seeking, skin peeling and access to Lantana = Lantana toxicity! The severity of the symptoms can range from mild to death and is related to how toxic the plant is (different flowering colours are more potent than others) and how much is eaten. Typically the first signs are ear flicking (you may think the buffalo fly have suddenly got worse) and shade seeking, this is followed by nose and skin peeling and "crusty looking eyes". If they are severely affected then they may act mad/ blind or have convulsions/seizures.
"Red Water"- Dispelling the myths
A recent case in a 7 year old Brahman X Fresian highlights some of the myths and frequently asked questions regarding tick fever. We were called out to the cow, who had calved a month prior for "being off". Because she had calved recently this could have been a hundred and one things, however she made our job very easy by peeing red urine on cue! She didn't have a temperature, which is one of the early signs of tick fever, but did have very pale yellow (jaundiced) vulval mucous membranes.
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Prize and his exploding penis!!
Unfortunately for Prize, a hand reared 2 year old Braford, some rather enthusiatic mating ended with a badly damaged penis that failed to retract back into his sheath. Although the owners were quick to respond, the swelling was so severe at the first visit that replacement was not possible. Plan B was instigated which consisted of: a compression bandage, strong anti-inflammatories (steroids), some antibiotics and a new wardrobe!
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