Kansas State
University veterinarians conducted a cross-sectional evaluation of 100
cattle from a Kansas sale barn. Their goal was to determine the incidence
of eye problems in cattle brought to auctions. The reasons for the
cattle being sold were unknown to the examiners. All cattle were
judged to be in good health. They found that 47% of the cattle had
some type of eye lesion. In cattle 6 years of age or older, the prevalence
was quite high with 69% being inflicted. Younger cattle (less than
6 years of age) were much less likely to have an eye lesion. Still
24% of those less than 6 years of age were identified to have an eye lesion.
The most commonly reported problem was corneal scars, found in 26% of the
cattle, and squamous cell carcinoma in 14% of the cattle. Cataracts
were found in 7% and lesions on the optic nerve were noted in 11 of the
100 cattle examined. Five animals were completely blind in one eye,
but none were blind in both eyes. The very high incidence of eye
lesions that can eventually lead to "cancer eye" is reason enough to closely
examine the eyes and eyelids of cows at working time. Plan to cull
cows with potentially cancerous lesions before severe eye disfigurement
results in loss of productivity and animal value. Source: Davidson,
et al. 1999 Cattlemen's Day. Kansas State University.
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