A white-faced cow in the pasture may be predisposed to which condition?

A white-faced cow, particularly those with light-colored pigmentation around the eyes and face, is predisposed to squamous cell carcinoma. This condition arises due to the increased exposure of the skin to ultraviolet (UV) light. Light-colored or white-faced animals have less melanin in their skin, providing lower protection against the harmful effects of UV rays. The skin in these areas can develop cancerous changes over time, particularly in regions with consistent UV exposure, such as the nose and eyelids.

In veterinary medicine, it's well-understood that breeds or individuals that are lighter in coloration are at a higher risk for skin cancers, particularly squamous cell carcinoma, compared to darker animals. As a result, monitoring these animals for any signs of abnormal growths or lesions in exposed areas is particularly important for early diagnosis and treatment.