How to Treat Demodectic Mange

When you're raising goats, there can be a whole range of difficulties. These animals have a knack for escaping from their enclosures and like to chew on everything they can find once they're out. Medically, there are some serious health disorders that can affect goats. One such disorder is mange, which happens when mites move on to a goat's skin to suck blood and lay eggs. Demodectic mites specifically prey on hair follicles and can cause itching and irritation.

Things You'll Need

  • Clippers
  • Shampoo
  • Water
  • Towel
  • Mask
  • Gloves
  • Goggles
  • Chemical dip
  • Sponge
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Instructions

    • 1

      Diagnose your goat for mange. Mange causes exaggerated itching with red, flaking and scabby skin. Demodectic mange will present as small lump-like, crusty cysts at the hair follicles.

    • 2

      Clip the effected areas carefully until they're almost bald. This will give you better access to the hair follicles, where the mites are living.

    • 3

      Shampoo the area thoroughly, using a shampoo that specializes in oil breakdown and removal. Rinse the area and towel it dry.

    • 4

      Obtain chemical miticide from your vet, as it is not sold over the counter. Don gloves, mask and goggles for protection and sponge the dip over your goat's body. Use caution, as this dip is highly toxic. Repeat as prescribed by your vet. General prescriptions are for 4 to 8 treatments over a 2-week period of time.

    • 5

      Monitor your goat's nutrition and health to prevent future infestations. Demodectic mites are always present but become a problem when a goat's immune system is compromised due to a lack of nutrition or a secondary infection or illness. Kids and older goats are under more threat from mange.