There are many bacteria causing abscesses. Identify the bacteria by taking a goat with a abscess to your veterinarian. The laboratory will also do a antibiogram – i.e. determine which antibiotic will workagainst the bacteria isolated. Once you know wat bacteria you are dealing with you can implement certaincontrol strategies. Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis and Trueperella pyogenes are the two mostcommon bacteria causing abscesses in goats.
Specific treatment protocol for abscesses:
When ripe (you feel a soft spot on the abscess and the hair pulls out very easily at thatspot) it is ready to cut open
Shave the hair around this spot if you can (minora blade works well)
Take a scalpel blade and cut open the skin like a cross (2cm x 2cm)
Always use gloves and work hygienically
Remove the pus into a container
Now flush the abscess with either chlorhexidine / iodine / hydrogen peroxide
If you use hydrogen peroxide dilute 2:10 with water and flush out with clean waterafterwards
You can now place acriflavine in glycerine with or without tetracycline pessaries into thewound
Apply a wound spray like Supona to keep flies away
Discard all pus and water from flushing at a site where goats don’t have access to orburn it
Click here to learn more about goat diseases | Pneumonia
Specific treatment & control strategy for Corynebacterium abscesses:
This bacteria can cause external (on the skin) and internal (e.g. in the lungs) abscesses
External abscesses you see as round swellings increasing in size usually on the head
Animals with internal abscesses normally lose condition without any specificidentifiable reason & get tired easily (lags behind the flock)
Treatment:
Ø External abscesses: Lance and drain visible abscesses as per protocolØ Internal abscesses: If you suspect this the following options are available
Sodium iodide (NaI) injections or Potassium iodide orally. NaI: Discuss with yourveterinarian but subcutaneous and intravenous routes are a option. The intra-venousroute is the most effective. Treatment normally has to be done for 3-4 weeks longq A course of tetracycline short-acting antibiotic using a high dose of 1ml/5kg daily for 3days per week. This may have to be repeated
Specific treatment & control strategy for Corynebacterium abscesses:
Vaccination:
There are autogenous and commercial vaccines on the market e.g. OBPCorynebacterium vaccine or Glanvac 3.
The immunity provided by these vaccines are not great and is relatively short lived
It may however assist to reduce the incidence of the problem on the farm in the longterm
Dont forget to share
The following protocols are options available
In case of a severe problem (outbreak on the farm): Vaccinate all animals on the farmevery 3mo for 5 times in a row
• To build up some immunity in your young replacement stock:
Ø Young ewes can be vaccinated three times at 1 month intervals starting at a age toensure the last vaccination is given at least 1 month before breeding OR
Ø Vaccinate young lambs at 3-4 weeks of age, boost 4 weeks later and repeat bi-annually /annually as required