Changes

==Introduction==

==Introduction==

Zinc is an '''essential component of many enzyme systems''', including those related to protein and carbohydrate metabolism, and is essential for maintaining a '''healthy coat and skin'''.

Zinc is an '''essential component of many enzyme systems''', including those related to protein and carbohydrate metabolism, and is essential for maintaining a '''healthy coat and skin'''.

==Clinical signs==

==Clinical signs==

'''Pigs''' present with a disease called '''parakeratosis''' which appears as circumscribed reddened papules and plaques, thick crusting and scaling, fissures along ventral abdomen and medial thighs. Sometimes the condition is generalised and pigs may show mild lethargy, anorexia and depression. The skin lesions may resemble those caused by ''Staphylococcus hyicus'' however this usually occurs in younger piglets.

'''Pigs''' present with a disease called '''parakeratosis''' which appears as circumscribed reddened papules and plaques, thick crusting and scaling, fissures along ventral abdomen and medial thighs. Sometimes the condition is generalised and pigs may show mild lethargy, anorexia and depression. The skin lesions may resemble those caused by ''[[Staphylococcus hyicus]]'' however this usually occurs in younger piglets.

There is commonly '''secondary bacterial dermatitis''' which can complicate the diagnosis.

There is commonly '''secondary bacterial dermatitis''' which can complicate the diagnosis.

Clinical signs, '''skin biopsies''' and '''low serum levels of zinc''' and alkaline phosphatase will help to confirm a diagnosis.

Clinical signs, '''skin biopsies''' and '''low serum levels of zinc''' and alkaline phosphatase will help to confirm a diagnosis.

'''Microscopically''' there is: in pigs: parakeratosis, acantosis, pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia, hypergranulosis

'''Microscopically''' there is:

 

:in pigs: parakeratosis, acantosis, pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia, hypergranulosis

in dogs: diffuse hyperkeratosis extending to follicles, superficial perivascular dermatitis with eosinophils

:in dogs: diffuse hyperkeratosis extending to follicles, superficial perivascular dermatitis with eosinophils

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

'''Dogs''': in fast growing puppies few a zinc-deficient diet or excessive calcium or phytates, zinc should be supplemented and the diet corrected.

'''Dogs''': in fast growing puppies few a zinc-deficient diet or excessive calcium or phytates, zinc should be supplemented and the diet corrected.

In adult dogs such as the Husky and Malamute, zinc should also be supplemented and this may have to continue indefinitely to avoid relapses.

In adult dogs such as the Husky and Malamute, zinc should also be supplemented and this may have to continue indefinitely to avoid relapses. Sometimes intravenous supplementation is necessary initially.

'''In ruminants''', zinc supplementation can increase reproductive performance by increasing conception rate. There is also an improvement in hoof hardness and less white line disease.

'''In ruminants''', zinc supplementation can increase reproductive performance by increasing conception rate. There is also an improvement in hoof hardness and less white line disease.

 

[[Category:Integumentary System - Nutritional Pathology]]

[[Category:Integumentary System - Nutritional Pathology]]