Posted by maggie on December 31, 2000 at 14:34:34:
In Reply to: blisters around eyes posted by Koda on December 31, 2000 at 07:24:45:
It could be soremouth. The lesions are not restricted to the lips by any means. I have seen them on a doe's udder and vulva and/or tail area. And on kids' faces, tail webs and inguinal (crotch) area. They can pop up anywhere the virus can find a break in the skin. Check the dam's udder for the same blisters or scabs. There is no cure for soremouth and it is very contagious, but not very dangerous. Its best to just let it run its course and quarantine the herd until symptoms disappear. Make sure infected animals are getting enough to eat. Sometimes dams are reluctant to let kids nurse a sore udder or kids mouths are so uncomfortable they won't eat or nurse adequately. A soothing ointment may help in these cases, but usually the infected goat doesn't want you to touch the sores. After the animal gets over the initial infection it has immunity for life and will never have another active case. This is only one cause of course, but since we nave experienced it it is the first thing that comes to mind. If it is soremouth be careful to wash your hands carefully or wear gloves when handling infected animals. You can catch it yourself. Goatherders usually get it on their hands (if they get it). Then its called orf.>