Signs of Animal Neglect:

• Extreme malnourishment to the point of emaciation without any underlying contributing causes.
  • These photographs show emaciation in animals seized by humane authorities.
    • cattle
    • horse
    • dog
  • Consider the animal’s body score in relation to the environment. See the Tufts Care and Condition scales for dogs.
    • This can be extrapolated for use in other species. See also environmental and physical care scale for horses. See Christie JL, Hewson CJ, Riley CB, McNiven MA, Dohoo IR, Bate LA. A preliminary equine abuse policy with potential application to veterinary practice
  • Assess body condition score by both palpation and visual evaluation
• Severely matted hair
  • The resultant tension on the skin is very painful, and the matting predisposes to and hides infections and other skin problems. It also prevents self-grooming, piloerection and thermoregulation.
• Overgrown hoofs or nails, especially ones that grow into the digital pad.
• Chronic, infected, untreated or unhealed wounds and skin lesions.
• Wounds that are infested with maggots.
• Collars that are embedded in the neck.
• Untreated illness.
• Heavy flea, ear mite, tick or other ectoparasite infestations.
• Overall filth – feces caked on feet, around anus, etc.
• Untreated dental disease.

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