The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: farmerjim on March 06, 2019, 11:59:53 am

Title: Alopecia
Post by: farmerjim on March 06, 2019, 11:59:53 am
I have a Ryelande with a patch of what looks like alopecia on her back.They get suggested antibiotics but no effect.No others are affected and she doesn't scratch and is otherwise in perfect health.Any ideas ?
Title: Re: Alopecia
Post by: graemeatwellbank on March 06, 2019, 03:10:12 pm
I hade the same with a ryeland ewe end of last year. Completely bald patch about the size of my hand with fingers.
Called the vet who took some scappings and swabs and  I also handed over some cast-off wool with what appeared to be skin attached but after analysis they could find nothing wrong.
Wool has grown back.
Based on my (costly) experience, I'd say ignore it unless it gets worse.
Title: Re: Alopecia
Post by: mab on March 06, 2019, 04:54:26 pm
I did have something similar a couple of years+ ago; eventually found reference to mycotic dermatitis in the veterinary book for sheep farmers which roughly fitted the bill. I shampoo'd her with hibiscrub and it did clear up - but as she was heavily pregnant and it didn't seem to be causing her discomfort i waited 'til she'd given birth before treating, so it's possible it would have cleared up by itself post pregnancy.
Title: Re: Alopecia
Post by: farmerjim on March 06, 2019, 05:11:46 pm
Many thanks,i think I will take your a advice and see how she gets on.
Title: Re: Alopecia
Post by: shep53 on March 07, 2019, 12:37:04 pm
Would guess at wool rot/ rain rot ,when   an area of matted wool on the back lifts of in one lump with dry skin attatched
Title: Re: Alopecia
Post by: Bramham Wiltshire Horns on March 11, 2019, 03:30:39 pm
HI
are they pregnant?

i found a few of mine had it last year when close to lambing and have one doing it now
rest of year they are fine

could be that little extra stress
Title: Re: Alopecia
Post by: bj_cardiff on March 11, 2019, 04:08:05 pm
Are they in lamb or have they recently lambed? I had some mules that lost their fleeces post lambing, the ewes were older ewes, very milky and lost quite a bit of condition on the first 30 days. I put it down to stress.