Zinc‐responsive dermatosis in goats suggestive of hereditary malabsorption: two field cases

Abstract

Two cases of zinc deficiency in dairy goats from different flocks and not associated with a zinc-deficient diet are described. Hard, dry, hyperkeratotic skin, hair loss and pruritus especially prominent on the back, legs, udder, face and ears were the most common clinical signs. Skin biopsy findings revealed a mixture of orthokeratotic and parakeratotic hyperkeratosis. On initial examination, serum zinc concentrations were low in both goats (461 microg L(-1) and 521 microg L(-1), respectively). Although mild skin lesions persisted during the early stages of zinc supplementation, skin lesions completely resolved after prolonged oral zinc supplementation. Withdrawal of zinc supplementation resulted in re-appearance of lesions in both animals. Case 2 gave birth to two kids, one of which showed mild skin lesions at 8 months of age together with a low serum zinc concentration (434 microg L(-1)), suggestive of hereditary zinc malabsorption. The other kid remained free of skin lesions and had a serum zinc concentration (530 microg L(-1)) within the normal range. On the basis of historical and clinical findings, the cases presented here more closely resemble Syndrome 1 hereditary zinc deficiency as seen in Nordic dog breeds rather than other zinc deficiency conditions seen in other species. It is suggested that zinc deficiency in these goats was due to hereditary malabsorption of dietary zinc. This is the first descriptive study of this condition in goats. Life-long zinc supplementation may be necessary in such patients.

Successful treatment of pemphigus foliaceus in a Berrichon du Cher ram with methylprednisolone acetate

“…The histological findings in the present case, specifically the pustule with acantholytic keratinocytes, are a key diagnostic feature of pemphigus foliaceus . In addition, a hereditary zinc deficiency, as previously reported in a case report in goats, was presumed because of the low serum zinc value and it was the only affected animal in the herd.…”

Trace Minerals Status and Antioxidant Enzymes Activities in Calves with Dermatophytosis

“…Zinc deficiency in animals might cause keratinization, scale formation, and alopecia of the skin as a result of immune system suppression. It, therefore, facilitates the Trichophyton infection [5][6][7]. Generally speaking, the ability of animals to cope with infection might be influenced by mineral nutrition.…”

Oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of canine zinc‐responsive dermatosis

“…Zinc‐responsive dermatosis has also been reported in a range of other mammals, 5–8 including humans, in which a rare inherited condition, known as acrodermatitis enteropathica, 9 shares many of the clinical and histopathological features in dogs.…”

“…3 Syndrome II develops in rapidly growing, large-breed puppies on a zinc-deficient diet, or one containing an excess of vitamins, minerals (especially calcium) or plant phytates that may impact on zinc absorption. 4 Zinc-responsive dermatosis has also been reported in a range of other mammals, [5][6][7][8] including humans, in which a rare inherited condition, known as acrodermatitis enteropathica, 9 shares many of the clinical and histopathological features in dogs.…”