Ichthyosis in Cattle: Clinical, Pathological and Management Insights

Arcangelo Gentile; Tolulope Grace Ogundipe; Marilena Bolcato; Joana Gonzales Pontes Jacinto; Cinzia Benazzi; Luisa Vera Muscatello

Arcangelo Gentile Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences - University of Bologna
Tolulope Grace Ogundipe
Marilena Bolcato
Joana Gonzales Pontes Jacinto
Cinzia Benazzi
Luisa Vera Muscatello

Keywords: Bovine; Ichthyosis Fetalis; Ichthyosis Congenita; Chianina; Genodermatoses

Abstract

In this descriptive review we aimed to provide succinct yet comprehensive overview of ichthyosis (IT) in cattle, focusing on clinicopathological presentations, genetic aetiology, and potential management strategies.

IT is an inherited disorder characterised by excessive keratinization and scaling of the skin. Two major forms with known causal variant have been identified in bovine species: Ichthyosis Fetalis (IF) and Ichthyosis Congenita (IC).

IF is widely recognised as the most severe form, associated with foetal death, stillbirth or death in the first days of life. IF is autosomal recessively inherited, with clinicopathological characteristics of hyperkeratosis, scaling of the epidermis, alopecia, eclabium, ectropion and microtia. The ABCA12 gene has been associated with IF in Chianina, Shorthorn, and Polled Hereford breeds. The frequency of the IF allele has been estimated at 3.8% in the Shorthorn population and less than 3% in the Chianina population

IC is a less severe form of IT, observed in different breeds. In Scottish Highland cattle the IC presents clinicopathological characteristics which includes hyperkeratosis, epidermal hyperplasia, diffuse alopecia, and keratoconjunctivitis. These manifestations are associated with a recessively inherited missense variant in the DSP gene. Similar clinicopathological findings are present also in the Italian Chianina cattle. In addition, Chianina IC-affected animals can also show cystitis and urolithiasis. In this breed IC is caused by a recessively inherited variant in the FA2H gene with an allelic frequency of 7.7%.

Foetal and calf mortality, stillbirth and euthanasia of severely affected animals may have significant economic and welfare impact. Additionally, complications such as dystocia and secondary skin infections (e.g. pyodermitis) also in milder forms may adversely affect longevity, productivity and health. Additional economic damage are due to the compromised quality of the leather products also in the cases of mild disease of IC. So far, no specific treatments are available for both IT, being symptomatic dermatological treatments the only one possible.

Genetic testing and selective breeding programmes are the best strategies for facing with recessively inherited disorders like IT.