UV - sun sensitive cattle

[Lewis]

3rd one we’ve had in 12 months, had 2 last year one very white milking cow & one friesian bullock . And now an IC heifer 2 weeks ago. (5months in calf)
She looked as though she’d had an allergic reaction, though possibly an adder bite or something.
She is still swollen and stiff vets now saying UV sensitivity. All of her white hair is tough and wrinkly which will now blister and peel her teats/udder/nose and vagina are now starting to peel.
Very painful for her and it’s only her white skin, black hair is soft with no blistering, must say she’s had 2 jags of pain relief but as she’s in calf can’t have steroids. But think she is/will likely abort as she has bigger up and is leaking milk.

Anyone else’s had similar?
Sudocream on her teats is the white/
Keeping her indoors

the bullock from last year is fine this year and we barrened the cow as it knocked her quite bad .

 

[organicguy]

Likely they have eaten st Johns wort. Causes UV sensitivity.
We have had it when cattle get into a ditch and eat it.
Also got a landlord who has meadow turfed there lawn and it is full of it, falls through the fence.

 

[Welderloon]

First experienced it with a Simmy bull, then saw it again on a R&W Simx cow

 

[Bald n Grumpy]

Had it with a pure white Shorthorn. all the skin on her back and sides died and dried out and we had to remove it as it was really irritating to her and to let the new grow. She survived but only as a cull.
Vet said it was most likely St John's wort caused it

 

[M-J-G]

We've had them, a couple of cows a week or so apart, both were in calf and were early enough in their pregnancy to get steroid.
Both made it to calving, and calved down successfully the following spring.
One cow was mostly white, and it was very tough on her, but she mended up fine.

 

[deleted user 837354]

First thought is have the animals eaten something unusual, perhaps out of a hedge or garden. Consult vet. Likely to need pain relief.

 

[M-J-G]

Animals that have been compromised in the past by liver fluke tend to show more signs of photosensitivity if they do get poisoned

Is it possible that they may have access to a toxin other than a plant?

Regardless of the cause, it's basically the effects of liver damage that have to be treated, miltivits, pain killer and AB cover for secondary infection are about all uou can offer along with access to a good supply of minerals.