Clinico-haematological alterations due to sarcoptic mange in Osmanabadi goat flock and its therapeutic management

A flock of Osmanabadi goats (n=20) was presented to the clinics with the history of hair loss, intense pruritus, decrease in body weight and eventual mortality of four kids since last month. Clinical examination revealed tachycardia, tachypnea and pale mucosae. Marked focal to generalized alopecia was noticed over the face, ears, around eyes and neck with concurrent crusting, hyperkeratosis, thickening and folding of affected skin along with severe pruritus. In few animals, the lesions were extended over shoulder and thoraco-abdominal region, limbs and scrotum. Haematological analysis revealed marked granulocytic leukocytosis and anemia. Skin scrapping examination revealed presence of numerous Sarcoptes scabiei mites and their eggs. All the affected goats were treated with two doses of ivermectin @ 0.2 mg/kg subcutaneously at weekly intervals along with antihistaminic and multivitamin for 5 days, haematinics for 15 days. Appreciable response to the therapy was observed in treated flock by fortnight with marked resolution of clinical signs after one month of therapy in terms of regrowth of hairs, subsidence of crusting, hyperkeratosis and skin thickening accompanied with enhanced skin pliability and shine. Similarly, improved haemogram and increased weight gain in kids was observed signifying the encouraging response to the therapy.