Goats with hair loss on face

[moenmitz]

Our four Boer does are all experiencing varying degrees of hair loss, restricted to their face & ears, most noticeably their muzzle. It does not seem to match up to the symptoms of ringworm, lice or mange. They do not seem to be itchy, not scratching it at all, but the area is apparently sensitive as they dislike any touching or petting of their face now, as well as a halter. There are no scabs or crusting, just noticeably thinning hair...on one just a bit, on another, almost no hair left around her nose. I am wondering if there might be a nutritional factor at play? All four are (hopefully) pregnant, though not confirmed, so I want to proceed cautiously with any treatment. Any ideas?

 

[growanstede]

Zinc deficiency?

 

[moenmitz]

Kinda wondering that myself. We were giving them a goat mineral block, but it is no longer available in our area and we they have not had one for about 4-5 months, and it slipped my mind. All we have locally is one for sheep, which I was told could cause copper poisoning if I recall? Anyway, I can, and intend to order, a goat block directly, and have it shipped, but am wondering if this is the likely cause or if I need to treat them for a skin parasite or fungal infection as well?

 

[Rafter 7 Paint Horses]

Just to refresh your memory.

The copper poisioning you mentioned was if the sheep were to eat the goat mineral block.
Goats need extra copper, and copper is deadly to sheep.

Have you wormed them lately?

Jean

 

[moenmitz]

Ah thank you ,that was it! I just remembered there was a reason that a sheep block wouldnt do, and that it had something to do with copper. No, we dont worm regularly, just if there is some sign of problem. We wormed them when we first got them, at 5-6 months, as they looked bad. Turned out to be coccidia however, and have not wormed them since then. Weight is good, coat condition has been good, not particularly rough, though as they recently shed their winter coat they have been looking scruffy, but it seemed typical for the time of year. They are not confined, have an outdoor shelter, and have 12 acres of weeds and grass for just the four of them, so parasites haven't been an issue so far. Generally, they have the mineral block year round, and get Purina Goat chow and hay in the winter. Mineral block was used up mid-winter as I recall. They were three years old in April, when we brought in a boyfriend to visit for a month. It has crossed my mind that he could have introduced something though, and I now regret having an outside visitor! He did not have any hair loss however, and the does just began showing these signs about 2-3 weeks ago.

 

[Rafter 7 Paint Horses]

With hair loss, I automaticly think of parasites.
It may be an allergic reaction to some of your weeds or brush if it is rather tall.

Look at the color of their gums and under their eyelids, if they are not a pretty pink color, then worm them. Their eyes will show signs quicker than their gums.

We have to worm every 4 to 6 months here, and we also worm right after any babies are born.

Other than this, I don't know what to tell you to look for. Maybe someone else has had this experience and will offer suggestions.

Jean

 

[abluechipstock]

are they using a hayrack, mine are and the hair is coming off where they stick there noses through