Mange Symptoms in Goats

Mange is a persistent skin disease in goats caused by parasitic mites, microscopic members of the arachnid family. The four main types of mange that produce symptoms in goats are demodectic mange, sarcoptic mange, psoroptic mange and chorioptic mange. Some of these mite species burrow into your goat̵7;s skin, while others simply pierce the skin with their mouths. Mange symptoms vary depending upon the species of mange that caused your goat̵7;s infection.

  1. Crusty Skin Lesions

    • Sarcoptic mange lesions are crusty and often surrounded by flakes of dry skin; they may appear anywhere on your goat̵7;s body, but usually occur first on the head and neck area, moving progressively to other areas. If you notice crusty, scab-covered lesions in your goat̵7;s ears, then she most likely has psoroptic mange from the ear mange mite. Chorioptic mange mites produce skin lesions on your goat̵7;s feet and legs; these lesions are typically smaller and usually less noticeable than the lesions caused by other types of mange, according to Dr. Justin Talley, an associate professor in the entomology department at Oklahoma State University.

    Discharge

    • Demodectic mange produces cyst-like bumps around the base of your goat̵7;s hair follicles; these bumps frequently rupture, releasing a thick, grayish fluid that contains mites and is highly contagious to surrounding goats. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, the skin lesions and the discharge usually occur on your goat̵7;s face, neck and sides. Foul-smelling discharge from your goat̵7;s ears is a distinctive symptom of psoroptic mange, especially when your goat also scratches her ears and shakes her head excessively.

    Itching

    • Itching, a symptom commonly associated with mange, usually arises as a result of the burrowing and biting of the tiny mites that cause sarcoptic mange, also known as scabies. Once these mites invade your goat̵7;s body, they create intense skin irritation and itchiness, which forces your goat to rub against hard surfaces such as fences or feeders in an effort to relieve the irritation. You may also notice itchiness with chorioptic mange, as well.

    Hair Loss and Thickened Skin

    • Loss of hair in goats occurs most typically with sarcoptic mange and is a direct result of the rubbing your goat does to relieve itchiness. Dr. Justin Talley states that extreme hair loss often shows up in your goat̵7;s head area, specifically around her eyes, ears and muzzle. The skin often become dry and scaly, as well as distinctively thicker, a condition commonly called hyperkeratosis.