The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: plumseverywhere on December 30, 2012, 11:36:30 am

Title: Flaky ears
Post by: plumseverywhere on December 30, 2012, 11:36:30 am
One of our wethers has got flaky skin on his ears. He had some undetected damage from a dog attack 2 weeks ago, a small bite mark at the base of his ear which has healed really well thankfully as it was unseen so untreated.
noticed today that his ears are looking a bit patchy with what looks like dermatitis? could it be mineral deficiency do you think or something else?
Title: Re: Flaky ears
Post by: jaykay on December 30, 2012, 05:53:29 pm
Zinc deficiency can cause flaky skin.

But so can rain rot (properly Dermatophilosis) - which seems quite likely given the weather recently!

Either way I don't think it's serious or needs treating really. You could try Terramycin spray if you want to, and see if that helps (will if it's rain rot, not if it's -zinc)
Title: Re: Flaky ears
Post by: shep53 on December 30, 2012, 07:27:38 pm
pictures :raining:
Title: Re: Flaky ears
Post by: Pasture Farm on December 30, 2012, 08:17:19 pm
Some of my LLeyn Lambs had this and after speaking to Jonathan Guy i have now given a copper/mineral drench....... no more scabby ears and super looking lambs
Title: Re: Flaky ears
Post by: Pasture Farm on December 30, 2012, 08:20:36 pm
http://www.accidentalsmallholder.net/forum/index.php?topic=19245.msg180221#msg180221 (http://www.accidentalsmallholder.net/forum/index.php?topic=19245.msg180221#msg180221)
Title: Re: Flaky ears
Post by: plumseverywhere on December 31, 2012, 09:31:43 am
Thank you for all of your replies.  PF - brilliant info on that link - will get onto that straight away.

Shep, I'll try and pop a picture on anyway as it might be useful for others - we had torrential rain all day yesterday so didnt' want to risk my new xmas pressie camera dropping in the mud  :innocent:  :)

Its only one out of the 4 but I know we do have cobalt deficiency here as my milking goats milk tasted bitter last year until we treated with cobalt.