Loss of hair

[ironbutt]

I am looking at a bull that has bare patches on his back legs about the size of jar lids. I asked the owner what the deal was and he said that when Dexter bulls get a high fever sometimes they lose patches of hair but it usually grows back afterwards.I have researched the web and can't find anything to substantuate what he says. Does anyone have any knowledge on this?

[Morning Star Farm]

It sounds like the bull has lice, I live up by the great lakes so it's still cold here and the lice are looking for a warm place to stay. It is easily to treat.

[ironbutt]

The area's in question are near his hoofs just above the toe nails to half way to his knees this wouldnot be a warm spot for lice? Most lice infections I have seen are on backs & under the body near limb joints.

[kansasdexters]

A bull that gets a high fever is usually rendered sterile for a period of time afterwards. That's because an excessively elevated body temperature adversely affects sperm production. A coat with bare patches (on any cattle) is a sign of poor health and/or parasite infestation, and not something that you want to bring in to your new herd. Best to look elsewhere for your breeding stock.

Patti

[lakeportfarms]

What Patti said...best to look elsewhere, no sense in taking the risk. It can never be said enough, if you'll be keeping a bull you'll want the best one that you can find within your budget.

[Morning Star Farm]

sorry...I should have asked where the spots were. I'm not sure what causes it on the legs?

[dexterfarm]

I really dont think fever. Did they say he had been sick. A fever high enough to cause hair loss would be really high. I have only heard of this in young calves with a sever fever. I would say lice or ring worm. was it on a joint where a bone was that he might have been rubbing the hair off.

[kansasdexters]

For your future reference, here is a good link:
entomology.cornell.edu/extension/vet/aid/cow/mites.cfm#Chorioptic%20Mange

Chorioptic mange (caused by mites) is often referred to as "Leg Mange", and hair loss occurs on the legs. By the time you see the hair loss, the animal is severely infested.

Patti