Calf losing fur

masawyer · #1 07/13/11, 09:24 PM

We have a holstein steer about 3 months old. A couple days ago we
noticed that a patch of fur about 6 inches long on his backbone over
his shoulder looks like it is peeling off. The skin underneath is dark pink
and it seems sensitive when touched. Would this be from sunburn or
something else? The fur peeling off is white. It has been VERY HOT and
DRY here. He has no other symptoms.

TIA,

Marsha in OK

tinknal · #2 07/13/11, 09:33 PM

Not sure, but white haired critters can get sunburned. I'd plaster some Vaseline or some kind of salve on it.

TSYORK · #3 07/13/11, 09:48 PM

May need to be wormed, lice can do this.

Jcran · #4 07/13/11, 10:06 PM

could it be some kind of photosensitivity? I've heard certain plants can cause it.

Ronney · #5 07/14/11, 06:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jcran

could it be some kind of photosensitivity? I've heard certain plants can cause it.

Marsha, I don't know enough about the various parts of the States to hazard a real guess but I too would be looking at photosensitivity if the hair and skin is peeling off.

We have a marvellous stuff here called Filtrebac that I use liberally on photosensitive or sun burned animals. See if you can get something similar - it is a veterinary product. I would also suggest have a yarn to your vet to get their take on it.

In the meantime ensure that he has plenty of access to shade and if he's too dumb to use it, consider locking him in a barn during the heat of the day.

Cheers,
Ronnie