hair loss in lamb

[SilverWillowFarm]

Hi All,

I have a three week old lamb that was treated with Sulfatrim last week for navel ill. He perked up considerable, but I just noticed he seems to be losing patches of hair on his shoulder and thigh and is a little pinkish. It could be contact dermatitis but I don't think there's anything he could have gotten into and none of the other lambs are showing signs. Any experiences out there with photosensitivity or hair loss related to Sulfatrim use?

Thanks,

Alexa
Silver Willow Farm
Mt. Hanley, NS

[MRPittman]

I would guess the hair loss is from his illness, possible fever, rather than the treatment.

[SilverWillowFarm]

He didn't have a very high fever, but he was stressed.

A.

[Janet McNally]

generally it takes three weeks for the wool break to surface due to fever. So I would guess something similar for hair. Probably due to the fever.

Janet

[Muleflock]

Hi Alexa

Wool break is certainly possible after a febrile episode.

This is an ELDU for this drug in the US. I'm not sure about Canada but I'm assuming it was recommended by a veterinarian establishing dosing rates and subsequent withdrawal times. It's not stated what the dosing rate is/was but allergic skin reactions(that would cause hair loss and reddened areas of skin) is one of the three most common side effects of this combination antibiotic.

Mark