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HEMATOMAS  IN  GOATS

A hematoma is a collection of   blood that has leaked out of a ruptured  blood vessel and into body tissues.   It looks like a  bad bruise, but there is swelling and discomfort associated with the hematoma.

The cause is usually the result of some type  of trauma.  Examples are violent shaking of the head because of an ear infection, resulting in an aural hematoma; unexpected severe sneeze or cough;  twisting of a leg that results in blood vessels breaking;   being hit by  another goat;  hitting a blood vessel when collecting blood samples.

Sometimes called a blood bruise, the hematoma contains a red odorless fluid.  Draining the fluid is possible but sometimes not recommended.  Draining can make it worse if bacteria gains entry through the needlepoint and into a medium that is perfect for its rapid reproduction.

Symptoms of an aural (ear flap) hematoma include the goat's holding its head to one side, the shaking of its head from side to side as if trying to dislodge a foreign object from its ear, and pawing at the ear.    Much of the time hematomas resolve themselves without intervention.  A large and/or bleeding hematoma should be examined and treated  by a veterinarian.

Do not confuse hernias with hematomas.  Hernias occur when there is a break in the skin and part of the goat's internal organs wind up outside the body.  Hernias can only be fixed by surgical repair.  Depending upon where the hernia is located and how big it is, sometimes the goat can live without surgical repair.

Long-eared goats that get wet in freezing climates can develop ear damage.  This is not a hematoma but rather frostbite.

Suzanne W. Gasparotto
Onion Creek Ranch, Texas 6.1.24

WARBLES  IN  GOATS

Warbles are the third larval stage of the botfly (genus Hypoderma),  also known as heel flies and grubs.    Since much of the botfly's life cycle occurs under the skin of its host, it is technically an internal parasite.

Years ago a goat at my Texas ranch  had a botfly infection on her back and my vet  removed it.

The botfly  lays its  eggs on the hairs of cattle and sometimes deer and goats.    When the eggs hatch, the  larvae  travel up the hairs to the skin.  The larvae pentetrate the skin, and once inside, they migrate through the connective tissue.    Third-stage larvae wind up under the skin of the back and the chest, where they form bumps (warbles) and make  tiny holes in the skin to allow air entry.   The tunnels made through  the connective  tissue reduce the value of the meat and the air holes damage the hides, making them less commercially valuable.  Fly activity around the animal can be irritating enough to cause weight loss and  decreased  milk production.

Back drenches like Synergized Delice should  be used to ward off botfly infestation.  Topical application of 1% Ivermectin on the legs of goats may be helpful.   Subcutaneous injections of 1% Ivermectin will help get rid of botfly larvae that have  already entered and are migrating through the animal's  body.

It is best to treat preventatively in the late summer rather than wait until peak botfly infestation in the fall.   In cattle, treating with 1% Ivermectin at advanced stages of larval development can cause bloat and hindquarter paralysis as the maturing larvae die.  This may or may not be true in goats.

Anticipate a problem and treat preventatively with 1% Ivermectin in late summer, during the migration phase of the botfly.

If a warble has already appeared,  you  or your veterinarian  should  open it, clean out the botfly larvae, and flush with antiseptic or iodine.  There are a variety of topically-applied  insect repellents that are safe for use on animals that can be helpful in preventing reinfection.

Suzanne W. Gasparotto
Onion Creek Ranch Texas 6.1.24