Kevin Robertson, (8 April 2024) Hi Colleagues Does anyone have suggestions as to what might be causing these skin lesions in this kudu on a ranch in south Texas? There has been no response to darted ivermectin (2 x). Skin scrapings were also negative for mites. Histopathology on a skin biopsy showed mild multifocal mastocytic dermatitis with a tentative diagnosis of allergic dermatitis or hypersensitivity. There are a few other kudu on two different ranches showing similar symptoms. Your thoughts would be appreciated. Pierre Nel, [08 Apr 2024 at 18:10:10]: The coat looks pretty scruffy - what about nutritional causes? Especially it being a bit far outside their natural habitat Erik Verrynne, [08 Apr 2024 at 18:30:10]: This looks like a contact-related insult… an irritating plant it was resting on? Gary Bauer, [08 Apr 2024 at 18:32:54]: I agree - lack of access to southern African riverine habitat Kevin Robertson, [08 Apr 2024 at 18:32:59]: We are just coming out of winter here. They are supplemented with 16 % browser pellets and lucerne. The majority of the kudu are looking great and they seem to thrive on south Texas brush and some Acacia species. A few have the lesions their sides as well which makes me think it is not contact related. Gary Bauer, [08 Apr 2024 at 18:35:13]: Kudu and nyala are two of the more difficult species to keep artificially - even in SA. Willem Burger, [08 Apr 2024 at 18:36:38]: Blue lice/ sheep lice?? Kevin Robertson, [08 Apr 2024 Here is another example : Ulf Tubessing, [08 Apr 2024 at 18:41:17]: Skin in this photo looks lumpy. Have you done biopsy on her? Mastocytic dermatitis would suggest allergic/ hypersensitivity like reaction. Coming out of winter – what about insect /mosquito / midge issues? Kevin Robertson, [08 Apr 2024 at 18:45:02]: Thanks Ulf. It is warming up here which together with irrigation could well result in insect numbers building up. I appreciate the reply Rob Jackson, [08 Apr 2024 at 19:04:29]: How old is it? Check that it still has teeth and can groom, although this is not typical hair loss. Kevin Robertson, [08 Apr 2024 at 19:14:12]: Thanks, will do Rob Ampie Viljoen, [08 Apr 2024 at 19:47:54]: Kevin, most of the hypersensitivities I have seen, of whatever origin, are always associated with pruritus. They tend to rub against objects and in the process cause self-trauma and hair loss. Keepers usually notice this. I don’t see this in these animals. It looks like just hair loss which doesn’t make sense for a mastocytic dermatitis. I would re biopsy and do multiple biopsies and concentrate on areas of transition. The age group is not right, but I would also do fungal and bacterial cultures at the same time. Do as much as you can while they are under. If it’s mastocytic, it should respond easily and well to KCS Rx. Maybe an easy way to get your DD list shorter at the same time. Dave Cooper, [08 Apr 2024 at 20:19:10]: Hi Kevin. Is this anywhere near a chemical plant of sorts? I saw very similar lesions in zebra caused by calcium hydroxide exposure? Kevin Robertson, [08 Apr 2024 at 21:28:07]: Hi Dave South Texas is oil and gas country and on the one ranch where the second kudu shown are a couple of well/pumping stations, but the kudu seem to avoid these areas. The first photo was taken in caleche country - looks like plaster of Paris, so high Ca in the well water.
