Is there a disease that impacts the lower lip of deer?

By Grant Woods,

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← Grant's AnswersDeer Biology
Question
I killed an axis deer and it is missing the fleshy part of its lower lip. It looks like something chewed it off but a part that is still there has made the upper lip grow differently so it seems it has been that way and not something that happened after I harvested it. I was curious if this might be some disease and if there would be any concern in eating the meat? I have a picture if you would like to see it.

Lance

Lance,

Congratulations on tagging an axis deer!  I’m not aware of any disease that impacts the lips of deer. I suspect the deer you tagged was injured.  Unless there is signs of infection, etc., the meat should be fine to consume!

Enjoy creation,

grant

January 3, 2016