Seborrhoeic Dermatitis in Pygmy Goats

This study, conducted over two years, investigated seborrhoeic dermatitis in pygmy goats, with clinical signs appearing between 3-5 months of age. The disease was chronic, affecting the skin, particularly the head and extremities, and manifested as non-pruritic erythema, scaling, and alopecia. No infectious agents or nutritional deficiencies were identified. Pathological findings included orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis, focal parakeratosis, epidermal spongiform microabscesses, and perivascular dermatitis. Ultrastructural examination showed fewer tonofilaments and keratohyaline granules in basal cells and acanthocytes. Epidermal cell kinetic studies revealed reduced cell renewal time compared to healthy goats. Corticosteroid treatment provided temporary relief, while vitamin E/selenium and zinc treatments were ineffective. Pedigree studies did not indicate a simple inheritance mechanism, leaving the pathogenesis unclear.