goat losing hair

[CelticRider87]

I currently work with a sanctuary. We have two horses and two goats. One of our goats is losing hair. He is getting balding patches along his back and starting to on his sides. There is a lot of dander and what looks to be dry skin. It is hard to get a good look at it as they do not like to be handled and only a few of us can get very close. It is possible there was a small crack or cut on the skin, hard to say if that goes with the hair loss or just something that happened. They were inherited with the property and are older. Only one goat seems to be affected. The other has a full coat. They are some type of dwarf cross we think. They are only about two and half to three feet tall at most and have multiple horns. We're all horse people and don't have much experience with goats. They have access to a standard mineral lick and are fed the senior feed we give the horses. The vet is coming out in a few weeks to immunize our horses and we will try and get him looked at then. Any ideas? Suggestions?

 

[Southern by choice]

First are you sure they are goats? You mention "multiple horns",
Goats, if they have horns will have 2.
There are breeds of sheep (Jacobs) that have 4 or more.

The patches could be from chewing and mites (mites are microscopic generally and you cannot see them) or lice which you can see but may be very small.

Another factor is mineral/nutritional deficiency.
Best to have your vet give a thorough exam and treat.

 

[CelticRider87]

We're sure they're goats. Where the horns would grow in they are split and have been cut by a previous owner. They do not grow at all, or at least not any to be noticeable. I thought about mineral/nutrient deficiency but the other goat seems fine and has a full hair coat. That's why I'm a little confused by it all. If it was nutritional or spread-able I feel like the other would be showing signs of something right? Going to try and get him looked at by the vet. Catching him should be fun.

 

[Southern by choice]

Because of lack of history one may not have the same deficiency as another and when it comes to mites/lice some will not scratch, chew or rub some will.

Glad a vet is coming out, would be ideal for you to find a goat vet as many horse vets really don't know anything about goats.

Good luck!

 

[mcjam]

Offering a free choice mineral mix specifically for goats can only help. If they need it they will eat it, if not they will leave it alone.