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Lungworms in Goats

Lungworms

Disclaimer: The author of this article is not a vet and each individual should seek local veterinarian advice on dosages and treatments. The recommended dosage in this article is off label.

Definition:

Lungworms are parasitic nematodes. The types found in goats is the D filaria , Protostrongylus rufescens and Muellerius capillaris. They cause an infection of the lower respiratory tract often resulting in pneumonia or bronchitis.

M capillaris causes the severest problems in goats.

M capillaris requires a slug or a snail as an intermediate host, which must be eaten by the goat in order for infection to occur.

Symptoms:

Chronic, eosinophilic, granulomatous pneumonia predominately
Bronchitis
Persistent cough not alleviated by antibiotics

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis is made based on clinical findings. Lungworm cannot be detected via a fecal float.
Antibacterial treatment for pneumonia or bronchitis should first be given.
Oxytetracycline {LA200 or Biomycin} 1ml/25lbs 5 days SubQ OR
Penicillin G 1ml/15lbs 5-7 days every 12 hours SubQ
Note: When injecting PenG to ALWAYS draw back on the plunger to check and see if you hit a blood vessel, as this can be fatal when directly put into the blood stream! If you see blood remove the needle from the goat, express blood and restick goat in a new place.
Continued symptoms beyond treatment of antibiotics could be considered lungworm clinically.

Treatment Options:
All of the following drugs will treat lungworm (the question is only how effective they are in your area):
Ivermectin
Levasole or Tramisol (levamisole)
Safe-guard (fenbendazole)
Valbazen (valbazen)

Treatment Notes:

Levamisole needs to be repeated in 2 weeks

Combo therapy option: Fenbendazole (Safe-guard) 1ml / 10# for 10 days and Ivermectin 1% injectible 1ml / 25# for 3-5 days (both given orally)

Take animals off of pasture during treatment

Give supportive therapy as needed





Type of cough

What could it be?

Wet, raspy

Pneumonia. Contact your veterinarian / begin antibiotics.

Dry, hacking, ever present

Moldy or dusty hay. Check your hay for white/ gray mold spores. Smell your hay.
Dusty grain, bedding or environment. You may need to give antihistamines such as Benadryl while you correct the reason for the dust.



Chronic dry cough

Suspect Lungworm if conditions are moist enough to support the slug / snail carrier. More information on how to clinically determine lungworm is found later in this book
Pneumonia or Bronchitis. Contact your veterinarian / begin antibiotics.


Persistent cough, not otherwise identified

Allergies. Antihistamines such as Benadryl may be used.
Viral, fungal or bacterial infection. Contact your veterinarian.


Cough consistent with bringing up cud, present only during dry, windy days or singular coughs


Not likely to be a concern. If unsure contact your veterinarian.
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