A case of bilateral auricular haematoma in a ewe-lamb with sarcoptic mange

A Lacaune ewe-lamb was referred with bilateral pinnal swelling and intense head-shaking. Soft, fluid-filled, painless swellings were present on the concave surface of both ear pinnae. Needle aspiration revealed sero-sanguineous fluid, confirming the clinical suspicion of auricular haematomas. Cutaneous lesions characteristic of sarcoptic mange were present on the nasal planum; diagnosis was confirmed based on the results of microscopic examination of skin scrapings (i.e., presence of Sarcoptes scabiei); for treatment of the disorder, moxidectin was administered twice, 11 days apart. The animal was operated under injectable anaesthesia. Auricular haematomas were drained by using Penrose tubes. However, and despite repeated post-surgical otic cleansing and administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics, local infection developed post-operatively. Subsequently, a second operation was performed, under inhalational anaesthesia, where the incisional technique was applied. Post-operative care included otic cleansing and broad-spectrum antibiotic administration, coupled with light bandaging of the ears. After 40 days, the animal recovered completely; sarcoptic mange was successfully treated and no relapse of the haematomas was seen. During the subsequent breeding period, the ewe was mated for the first time and became pregnant. The findings support the hypothesis that the highly pruritic sarcoptic mange induced head-shaking and self-inflicted traumas of the pinnae, resulting in the development of auricular haematomas. Treatment required extensive surgical and long post-operative care. From a health management viewpoint, the above treatment schedule can only be justified in young, high-value animals.