Bluetongue

8072

12/30/01

Organism:  An insect-transmitted virus

Symptoms:

Tongue cyanotic (blue) and swollen; salivation; mouth lesions (ulcers), exfoliate, necrosis; lips, ears, neck and nose, hyperemia (red and swollen); shortness of breath; pneumonia; corona, vesicles; lameness; depression. Can also have: conjunctivitis, hair loss, high fever, yellow discharge from nose, crusts on upper lips.

Other diseases to consider:

Photosensitization, mycotic stomatitis, vesicular stomatitis, soremouth, foot and mouth disease.

Difficulty rating:   [bold type applies]

DEFINITELY a matter for your veterinarian
Do these things until you can reach the vet
You may be able to handle it youself; for the moderately experienced
Fairly simple; give it a try!

Treatment options [from "goatwisdom"]

Bluetongue is mostly a disease of sheep, but it can be found in goats. Most important thing is prudent insect control, especially "no-see-ums" or gnats. Most will recover on their own. Vaccinations are available, but these should be used ONLY after consultation with your vet since they can cause a lot greater harm than good.

WWW Resources

Washington State

CONSULTANT ©   Cornell's Diagnostic program