Those who know us will recall that Elliot is plagued by a perplexing skin condition which worsens each winter. Marked by intense itching, it causes him to constantly bite and scratch himself until he sports numerous scabby bald patches. Though resistant to repeated attempts at diagnosis and treatment, his symptoms suggest a parasitic infestation and therefore I once again decided to search for the identity of the elusive culprits.
The "gold-standard" test for parasites is the fecal flotation test. To avoid the hour-long drive to the nearest lab, Emily and I once tried to do this at home. Following detailed instructions, we collected the sample, crushed the droppings and mixed them with purchased solutions into a "poop slurry" paste, planning to stir, sluice, spread and microscopically examine the rank mixture. Unfortunately, our test was ruined by the inadvertent addition of human vomit to the jar (hey, you try this before you judge me!) so we were unable to get an accurate worm count.
Happily, there is another, less repugnant method to estimate parasite load in goats. This test, termed FAMACHA, involves examining the inner lower eyelid of a goat to determine color of the membrane - from dark red (healthy) through varied shades of pink (borderline) to pale or white (anemic, death's door). This method is used successfully in large herds worldwide and one expert even suggested performing a FAMACHA evaluation every time you interact with your goat. Made sense to me, so I decided to give it a try. Now here's the fun part - rather than describing the test or scientifically graphing my results, I offer my readers an opportunity for a first-hand FAMACHA experience. You can be a goatherd for a day!!
To simulate the experience of performing a FAMACHA test, here's what I'd like you to do.
First, secretly select a friend or family member to be your "goat." If possible, choose a person with aggressive tendencies and pointy shoes. Now, without any prior explanation, grab your friend's face, pull down his lower eyelid with your thumb, and peer into the eye at close range.
How did that work out for everyone? So let's try again. Your friend is likely reacting in a negative manner, so make some soft cooing sounds or stroke his cheek before grabbing at his eyelid again. If you absolutely must offer an explanation, speak in a foreign language (to simulate the comprehension level of an actual goat). Alternatively, try shoving an animal cracker in your friend's mouth to distract him as you go for the eye yet a third time. You may also pin him against the wall with your body weight.
Anyone have results to share? If your friend has kicked you, head-butted you or gored you with a sharp object, you're on the right track. Don't give up! Consider printing out a color-comparison chart to hold against the peeled-down eyelid, though you might want to laminate it before use because any paper that close to a goat's mouth is automatic food...and don't forget to avoid those hooves!
Then again, maybe fecal testing isn't such a bad idea after all...
(Disclaimer: The FAMACHA is a valid and reliable method. Any implied criticisms here are purely related to my own performance deficiencies or the misbehavior of my goats!)
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