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?
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?