Gotch ear: A poorly described, local, pathologic condition of livestock associated primarily with the Gulf Coast tick, Amblyomma maculatum

Gotch ear is a condition in animals in which the ear is swollen, deformed, curled, drooped, possibly necrotic, and is usually associated with attachment by the Gulf Coast tick, Amblyomma maculatum. Little is known of the etiology or epidemiology of gotch ear in livestock. Reports generally describe the condition in cattle, but it has also been reported in horses and mules and more recently in a goat. This review explores the history and etymology of the term “gotch ear” and reports on current status, pathogenesis, differential diagnosis, and epidemiology of gotch ear. Finally, clinical definition of gotch ear is offered.