Posted by Nat on April 01, 2001 at 10:02:25:
In Reply to: no hair on neck posted by Cindy on April 01, 2001 at 09:16:35:
Are these does wearing a collar right now? Sometimes a collar can rub the hair off if it dosn't fit well, and once raw, it causes bleeding. Also, are your goats rubbing their necks against a fence, or tree trying to relieve an itch that may be from mites, lice, or blackflies ect. ? Ar you sure that its not a fungal problem such as ringworm, ect?
Fly sprays can really do a number on skin. If you're dealing with a fly problem - maybe try some Avon Skin-So-Soft. While its not super great for the flies, it should help moisturize the sore flaking skin. I know that I've had some does that are sensitive to certain sprays,and loose hair and or get flakey skin. Also, for sores, the horse product -"Swat" is a cream that you can put on the sore, that repels flies. If you are lucky enough to be in a warm climate, maybe give your goats a nice bath with a medicated shampoo. I like to use the dog shampoo - Zodiac. Kills ticks, lice, fleas, ect. Not the dip, but the shampoo. I've used it on kids, adults, and even chickens so it has to be safe!
If it gets worse, and you can't seem to figure out what the cause may be, have a vet do a culture on the skin. It may be a bacterial, or fungal problem you can't diagnose by simple trial and error.
Hope I helped.
-Nat's Little Bit Farm