Zinc-Responsive Dermatosis in Goats Suggestive of Hereditary Malabsorption: Two Field Cases

The study described two cases of zinc deficiency in dairy goats that were not linked to a zinc-deficient diet, suggesting hereditary malabsorption. The goats exhibited symptoms such as hard, dry, hyperkeratotic skin, hair loss, and pruritus, particularly on the back, legs, udder, face, and ears. Initial low serum zinc levels were observed, and while mild skin lesions persisted initially, they resolved completely with prolonged oral zinc supplementation. However, the withdrawal of zinc led to the reappearance of lesions. One goat's offspring also showed signs of zinc deficiency, supporting the hereditary aspect. The condition resembled Syndrome 1 hereditary zinc deficiency seen in Nordic dog breeds, indicating that lifelong zinc supplementation might be necessary for affected goats. This was the first study to describe this condition in goats.