Guide to Common Goat Health Problems
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Abortion
If abortions occur early in pregnancy, the cause is likely to be liver flukes or coccidia. Liver flukes are a problem primarily in areas that receive a lot of rain, where wet conditions favor them. Coccidia can be transferred by chickens and rabbits, both of which should be kept away from goat feed and managers.
If there is a history of abortion at 6-8 weeks of pregnancy, veterinary treatment may be needed to control infertility
Abortion is more common in later pregnancy. The cause can be mechanical, such as the pregnant doe being butted by another or running into an obstruction such as a manger, fence, tree or a narrow doroway. It can also be related to moldy feeds.
Certain types of medication can cause abortion, including deworming medications and hormones, such as those contained in some antibiotics. Medicate pregnant animals with caution.
Abortion can also occur in a goat fed on rich clover or trefoil.
Research has indicated that Bang's disease (Brucella abortus) is extremely rare among goats in the United States, but Bang's disease tests are commonly required for showing , shipping and for selling milk.
If there is a history of abortion at 6-8 weeks of pregnancy, veterinary treatment may be needed to control infertility
Abortion is more common in later pregnancy. The cause can be mechanical, such as the pregnant doe being butted by another or running into an obstruction such as a manger, fence, tree or a narrow doroway. It can also be related to moldy feeds.
Certain types of medication can cause abortion, including deworming medications and hormones, such as those contained in some antibiotics. Medicate pregnant animals with caution.
Abortion can also occur in a goat fed on rich clover or trefoil.
Research has indicated that Bang's disease (Brucella abortus) is extremely rare among goats in the United States, but Bang's disease tests are commonly required for showing , shipping and for selling milk.
Abscess
In a goat, an abscess is a lump or boil, often in the neck or shoulder region, that grows until it bursts and exudes a thick pus. There are several types with different causative organisms, and very different degrees of seriousness. Most are related to wounds, including punctures by thorny vegetation, bites, and incorrectly administered hypodermic needle injections. An abscess can also occur when a goat bites the inside of her cheek.
Another possibility is a condition called caseous lymtpha denitis, or CL. It is caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. This condition can be transmitted from one animal to another. A goat with a discharging abscess from this condition is a hazard to both other goats and to humans. The lump can grow to a size larger than a tennis ball. i twill burst by itself, thereby spreading the infection.
Treatment:
Any animal with an abscess should be isolated. If the abscess is on the udder, discard any milk from the animal. Do not allow the kids to feed off of it. If the goat has an abscess anywhere else, the milk can be used, but should be pasteurized.
To avoid the transmission of the infection, lance and clean the abscess before it ruptures. If the abscess is in the throat, behind the jaw or under the ear, a vet should perform the procedure, since these areas contain major blood vessels and nerves. Otherwise, to lance the abscess, clip the hair around the abscess and disinfect the surface with an antiseptic such as iodine. make a vertical incision, as low as possible to promote drainage, with a sharp, sterilized knife. Wearing disposable latex gloves, squeeze out the pus and burn the material and all cloths that come into contact with it. Flush the wound with diluted disinfectant. Isolate the animal until the lesion is healed and covered by healthy skin, typically 20 to 30 days.
The only way to know the cause is thorugh lab cultures. Superficial clues include:
Prevention:
There has been some work and a great deal of interest in vaccinations. However, success has been varied and no preventive is currently on the market in the United States. Control consists mainly in treating and isolating (or culling) infected animals. Remove kids from affected does at birth and raise them on colostrum and milk from clean does.
Herds that are free of abscesses generally stay that way until a new animal is brought in or the goats come into contact with others in some other way. Once established is a herd, CL is diffcult to eradicate.
Another possibility is a condition called caseous lymtpha denitis, or CL. It is caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. This condition can be transmitted from one animal to another. A goat with a discharging abscess from this condition is a hazard to both other goats and to humans. The lump can grow to a size larger than a tennis ball. i twill burst by itself, thereby spreading the infection.
Treatment:
Any animal with an abscess should be isolated. If the abscess is on the udder, discard any milk from the animal. Do not allow the kids to feed off of it. If the goat has an abscess anywhere else, the milk can be used, but should be pasteurized.
To avoid the transmission of the infection, lance and clean the abscess before it ruptures. If the abscess is in the throat, behind the jaw or under the ear, a vet should perform the procedure, since these areas contain major blood vessels and nerves. Otherwise, to lance the abscess, clip the hair around the abscess and disinfect the surface with an antiseptic such as iodine. make a vertical incision, as low as possible to promote drainage, with a sharp, sterilized knife. Wearing disposable latex gloves, squeeze out the pus and burn the material and all cloths that come into contact with it. Flush the wound with diluted disinfectant. Isolate the animal until the lesion is healed and covered by healthy skin, typically 20 to 30 days.
The only way to know the cause is thorugh lab cultures. Superficial clues include:
- If the abscess is caused by lymphadenitis will have a greenish cheese-like pus.
- A yellowish pus of mayonnaise-like consistency suggests C. pyogenes
- Streptococci often produces a water discharge
- Staphylococci causes a creamy exudate
Prevention:
There has been some work and a great deal of interest in vaccinations. However, success has been varied and no preventive is currently on the market in the United States. Control consists mainly in treating and isolating (or culling) infected animals. Remove kids from affected does at birth and raise them on colostrum and milk from clean does.
Herds that are free of abscesses generally stay that way until a new animal is brought in or the goats come into contact with others in some other way. Once established is a herd, CL is diffcult to eradicate.
Anemia
Anemia covers groups of conditions characterized by paleness of skin and membrane.
Symptoms:Nictitating membrane of the eyes, mucous membrane of the mouth, skin around the udder and valve.
Treatment: Iron injection
Symptoms:Nictitating membrane of the eyes, mucous membrane of the mouth, skin around the udder and valve.
Treatment: Iron injection
Anorexia
Symptoms: Loss of apetite. Anorexia is often a symptom of and in itself, such as viral pneumonia, so please look for other symptoms.
Treatment: B12 and Molasses water are 2 of the best appetite stimulators that I have used. B12 can be given as an injection or as a paste. Most goat will love the Molasses water but if not give it to them with a syringe or drench gun.
Treatment: B12 and Molasses water are 2 of the best appetite stimulators that I have used. B12 can be given as an injection or as a paste. Most goat will love the Molasses water but if not give it to them with a syringe or drench gun.
Anthrax
Clinical symptoms: Sudden high temperatures (108°F), loss of appetite, sudden death, in a less acute form, the goat may live for a day and develop bloody diarrhea.
Preventive care: Keep the affected animal separate. Annual vaccination of goats in endemic area is recommended. Massive doses of penicillin 1/M may response in goat.
Preventive care: Keep the affected animal separate. Annual vaccination of goats in endemic area is recommended. Massive doses of penicillin 1/M may response in goat.
Bangs Disease (Brucellosis)
Brucellosis is a contagious disease primarily affecting cattle, wine, sheetp, gaots and dog. Characterized chiefly by abortion. The first Brucella infectionto be recognized was caprine bucellosis, or Malta Fever, in 1887. While it's prevalent in many counties where goats are common, brucellosis is extremely rare in the United States.
Abortion occurs in about the fourth month of pregnancy. Diagnosis reqquires a vacteriologic examination of the milk or the aborted fetus, or a serum agglutination test. There is no cure, the diesease is treated by the culling of reacting animals.
Many people are concerned about brucellosis, but the cases are minimal in teh United States. However, to be absolutely certain can you have your goats tested for Bang's and you can pasturize the milk.
Abortion occurs in about the fourth month of pregnancy. Diagnosis reqquires a vacteriologic examination of the milk or the aborted fetus, or a serum agglutination test. There is no cure, the diesease is treated by the culling of reacting animals.
Many people are concerned about brucellosis, but the cases are minimal in teh United States. However, to be absolutely certain can you have your goats tested for Bang's and you can pasturize the milk.
Big Head
Big head is an acute, infectious disease, caused by Clostridium novyi, Clostridium sordellii, or rarely C chauvoei, characterized by a nongaseous, nonhemorrhagic, edematous swelling of the head, face, and neck of young rams. This occurs when goat heavily infested with worm, pale of mucous membrane, along with protruding nictating membrane and scouring, swollen head with Jaundice is seen in lepto spirosis, but the mucous membrane Jaundice often seen with yellow serum exudes from facial skin.
This infection is initiated in young rams by fighting or continual butting of one another. It has also been associated with the practice of dipping immediately after shearing. The bruised and battered subcutaneous tissues provide conditions suitable for growth of pathogenic clostridia, and the breaks in the skin offer an opportunity for their entrance.
Treatment: A broad-spectrum antibiotics or penicillin.
This infection is initiated in young rams by fighting or continual butting of one another. It has also been associated with the practice of dipping immediately after shearing. The bruised and battered subcutaneous tissues provide conditions suitable for growth of pathogenic clostridia, and the breaks in the skin offer an opportunity for their entrance.
Treatment: A broad-spectrum antibiotics or penicillin.
Bloat
Description:
Whenever anything interferes with this release of gas or if the digestion of the proteins occurs too rapidly you have the condition known as bloat. Technically, bloat is an excessive accumulation of gas in the rumen and reticulum resulting in distention. Bloat is caused by gas trapped in numerous tiny bubbles, making it impossible to burp. Goats are especially susceptible to bloat when they first go out on green pastures or if they consume too much sweet feed. Bloat is fairly easy to identify as goat's bellies literally become bloated. It's important to note the difference between a goat that has simply just finished feeding and has a full stomach versus one that is distended.
Bloat is easily recognized. The upper abdomen will stick out on both sides and up a little on the left side. This can lead to a gradation of difficulties ranging from mild discomfort to a critical life-endangering emergency. Additional signs can include: shivering, grinding of teeth, salivation, shortness of breath, grunting, kicking at the abdomen, breathing through the mouth, protrusion of the tongue and head held forward. Bloat can range from light expansion and the goat is still eating and moving to one in which the goat which is tightly swollen across her abdomen, prostrate and near death.
Prevention:
The best cure for bloat is to prevent it in the first place. Feed dry hay before allowing livestock to go out on green, lush pastures such as rye, winter grass, and clovers. Monitor and allocate the amount of time spent on lush pastures when animals are first turned out. A good rule of thumb is to start with 30 minutes per day and gradually increase per day in 30 minute increments. Do not feed large quantities of succulents, such as green cornstalks or grass clippings, as supplements if the animals aren't accustomed to them.
Treatment:
If bloat does occur, there is a range of treatments available depending upon the level of severity.
There are two different types of bloat.
1. Free gas bloat is where gas floats on the top of the rumen contents like the air at the top of a water tank. If you can open some form of passageway to the outside atmosphere, the internal pressure will cause the gas to escape. Massaging the goats belly and walking her around is often enough to get her started burping in mild cases of bloat. If that doesn't work, then administer the oil as described in #2, preferably with a stomach tube.
2. The more complex type is known as frothy or "legume" bloat wherein the gas is totally mixed in with rumen contents in a way that resembles whipped gelatin. In order to separate the gas from the rest of the mess adminstier one cup of vegetable, peanut or mineral oil. If the goat is standing and capable of swallowing without difficulty, this can be administered with a large syringe or drenching gun. If not, it can fed through a stomach tube. A handful of bicarbonate soda will help.
In a goat, it is not possible to insert a tube large enough to allow for the release of frothy bloat. Move the tube around a little to see if you can cause the release of any gas. If no gas escapes, then you probably have frothy bloat. The proper dose for a 130 lb doe is 6 to 8 oz. There are also a number of pharmaceutical preparations for the treatment of bloat, the most popular of these being Therabloat®. Follow label directions for mixture and dosage information. Improvement should be noted within a few minutes.
In extreme cases, you will have to take the goat to the vet, or in the event of lack of time, you may have to relieve the gas by making a physical opening. What happens in this instance is an incision is made at the peak of the distended flank, midway between the last rib and the point fo the hip and then holding the wound open with a tube, straw, or preferably a tocar. At this point you should hear the gas escaping. Then immediately take your goat to the vet to have the incision stitched up.
Whenever anything interferes with this release of gas or if the digestion of the proteins occurs too rapidly you have the condition known as bloat. Technically, bloat is an excessive accumulation of gas in the rumen and reticulum resulting in distention. Bloat is caused by gas trapped in numerous tiny bubbles, making it impossible to burp. Goats are especially susceptible to bloat when they first go out on green pastures or if they consume too much sweet feed. Bloat is fairly easy to identify as goat's bellies literally become bloated. It's important to note the difference between a goat that has simply just finished feeding and has a full stomach versus one that is distended.
Bloat is easily recognized. The upper abdomen will stick out on both sides and up a little on the left side. This can lead to a gradation of difficulties ranging from mild discomfort to a critical life-endangering emergency. Additional signs can include: shivering, grinding of teeth, salivation, shortness of breath, grunting, kicking at the abdomen, breathing through the mouth, protrusion of the tongue and head held forward. Bloat can range from light expansion and the goat is still eating and moving to one in which the goat which is tightly swollen across her abdomen, prostrate and near death.
Prevention:
The best cure for bloat is to prevent it in the first place. Feed dry hay before allowing livestock to go out on green, lush pastures such as rye, winter grass, and clovers. Monitor and allocate the amount of time spent on lush pastures when animals are first turned out. A good rule of thumb is to start with 30 minutes per day and gradually increase per day in 30 minute increments. Do not feed large quantities of succulents, such as green cornstalks or grass clippings, as supplements if the animals aren't accustomed to them.
Treatment:
If bloat does occur, there is a range of treatments available depending upon the level of severity.
There are two different types of bloat.
1. Free gas bloat is where gas floats on the top of the rumen contents like the air at the top of a water tank. If you can open some form of passageway to the outside atmosphere, the internal pressure will cause the gas to escape. Massaging the goats belly and walking her around is often enough to get her started burping in mild cases of bloat. If that doesn't work, then administer the oil as described in #2, preferably with a stomach tube.
2. The more complex type is known as frothy or "legume" bloat wherein the gas is totally mixed in with rumen contents in a way that resembles whipped gelatin. In order to separate the gas from the rest of the mess adminstier one cup of vegetable, peanut or mineral oil. If the goat is standing and capable of swallowing without difficulty, this can be administered with a large syringe or drenching gun. If not, it can fed through a stomach tube. A handful of bicarbonate soda will help.
In a goat, it is not possible to insert a tube large enough to allow for the release of frothy bloat. Move the tube around a little to see if you can cause the release of any gas. If no gas escapes, then you probably have frothy bloat. The proper dose for a 130 lb doe is 6 to 8 oz. There are also a number of pharmaceutical preparations for the treatment of bloat, the most popular of these being Therabloat®. Follow label directions for mixture and dosage information. Improvement should be noted within a few minutes.
In extreme cases, you will have to take the goat to the vet, or in the event of lack of time, you may have to relieve the gas by making a physical opening. What happens in this instance is an incision is made at the peak of the distended flank, midway between the last rib and the point fo the hip and then holding the wound open with a tube, straw, or preferably a tocar. At this point you should hear the gas escaping. Then immediately take your goat to the vet to have the incision stitched up.
Bronchitis
Bronchitisoccursdue to lung worm infection or the feed place in drum, some time goat gets irritation and bronchitis that can be controlled by dampening the mixture with water or molasses water, this way dust in the feed will be reduced. Chronic coughing also occurs in mycoplasmosis.
Caprine Arthritis Encephalistis (CAE)
In a common form of the disease, the first signs are usually minor swelling in the front knees. The swollen knees become progressively worse, and the animal just seems to "wate away." The lungs may become congested, and evetually all the body's systems give up. Other symptoms involve chronic progressive pneumonia, and weight loss associated with chronic disease. Less common is an ascending paralysis in kids that otherwise appear healthy.
The major route of transmission of CAE is consumption of virus-infected colostrum or milk from infected does. This is a natural route of transmission from does to kids, and it is a highly efficient route.
There is no evidence that CAE can be spread to other ruminants or humans.
Treatment and Prevention
CAE is an incurable contagious disease and some goats that have the virus do not show symptoms but are still carriers. There is no vaccine. The only recourse is a prevention program.
You can have your goats tested for CAE. If they test positive there is nothing you can do for them, but because the infection is spread in the neonatal period, you can build and protect a clean herd by following these steps:
The major route of transmission of CAE is consumption of virus-infected colostrum or milk from infected does. This is a natural route of transmission from does to kids, and it is a highly efficient route.
There is no evidence that CAE can be spread to other ruminants or humans.
Treatment and Prevention
CAE is an incurable contagious disease and some goats that have the virus do not show symptoms but are still carriers. There is no vaccine. The only recourse is a prevention program.
You can have your goats tested for CAE. If they test positive there is nothing you can do for them, but because the infection is spread in the neonatal period, you can build and protect a clean herd by following these steps:
- Be there when the kid is born. Deliver them onto clean bedding, preferably newspaper rather than straw. Don't break the amniotic sac before the kid is delivered: the fluid in the sac prevents the kid from swallowing or inhaling infected cells. Do not let the doe lick the kid.
- Put each newborn into clean, separate boxes so they can't lick one another. Immediately wash each one in warm, running water, to eliminate the possiblity of any infected fluid on the body being ingested. Keep them separate until they are clean and dry.
- Within half an hour, feed the kids colostrum froma goat you know is free of the virus, or use a commercially or homemade colostrum substitute.
- Feed only pasteurized milk or sheep or goat milk replacer.
- Keep the kids separated from other goats and practice strict hygiene. Sanitiize feeding utensils, and change boots, clothes and wash hands each time before interacting with other animals. You can also step into plastic, disposable bags with your boots and then remove and discard the bags after handling each animals.
Cheesy Gland (CL)
Also called yolk boils, its scientific name is Caseous lymphadenitis is caused by the bacterium coryne and bacterium pseudotuberculosis.
Symptoms: This bacterium causes the abscesses are boils usually visible as swollen lumps under the jaw or on the neck. In goats, the head is most commonly affected, so the most likely point of entry of this infection is through abrasions on the head or in the mouth.
Treatment: five different brands of cheesy-gland vaccines are available: Glanvac, cheesyvax, cydectin, Eweguard, Guardian and Websters 6-in-1.
Symptoms: This bacterium causes the abscesses are boils usually visible as swollen lumps under the jaw or on the neck. In goats, the head is most commonly affected, so the most likely point of entry of this infection is through abrasions on the head or in the mouth.
Treatment: five different brands of cheesy-gland vaccines are available: Glanvac, cheesyvax, cydectin, Eweguard, Guardian and Websters 6-in-1.
Chlamydiosis
Symptoms: Pneumonia, sometimes diarrhea, is present in goats. Pregnant goats may also abort in early stage of gestation. In young goat kids arthritis may develope.
Preventive care: Treatment with penicillin is effective.
Preventive care: Treatment with penicillin is effective.
Coccidiosis
This parasitic disease is caused by microscopic protozoans (coccidia) found in the cells of the intenstinal lining. It usuallly occurs in kisd 1 to 4 months old and usually in crowded adn unsanitary pens.
Coccidiosis often manifests itself as scours. . Coccidia is so dangerous that a kid can die within a couple days or less. As always, you should seek immediate veterinary attention.
Symptoms: The diarrhea may or may not bloody, it may contain mucus, and it will be watery. Other symptoms include fever, decreased appetite, weakness, dehydration, straining to defecate, anemia, pale gums and eyelids, and weight loss. Occasionally, a kid will suffer rectal prolapse Kdis with coccidiosis are usually weak and unthrifty.
Preventive care: A vet will need to get involved. A faecal examination is needed. Your vet may recommend sulphamezathine or sulphadimidine 0.2 gm/kg body weight in the feed mixture to treat this condition. Amprosol 20% solution 100 mg/kg body weight 4-5 days are effective or zoaquin.
Coccidiosis often manifests itself as scours. . Coccidia is so dangerous that a kid can die within a couple days or less. As always, you should seek immediate veterinary attention.
Symptoms: The diarrhea may or may not bloody, it may contain mucus, and it will be watery. Other symptoms include fever, decreased appetite, weakness, dehydration, straining to defecate, anemia, pale gums and eyelids, and weight loss. Occasionally, a kid will suffer rectal prolapse Kdis with coccidiosis are usually weak and unthrifty.
Preventive care: A vet will need to get involved. A faecal examination is needed. Your vet may recommend sulphamezathine or sulphadimidine 0.2 gm/kg body weight in the feed mixture to treat this condition. Amprosol 20% solution 100 mg/kg body weight 4-5 days are effective or zoaquin.
Collibacillosis/collisopticaemia (E. coli)
Symptoms: a very young kid who is inactive, whose head is drooping and whose tail is turned down, who is not eating, who is dehydrated, who is feverish, who has no respiratory distress, and who may have (generally) grayish or whitish diarrhea with a very distinctive smell or dysentery. In later stages there is loss of appetite, dryness of hair and skin coat and the temperature became subnormal. Goat kids under one month of age are commonly affected.
Prevention: Reduce fever to normal body temperature with Banamine injectably or baby aspirin orally. Hydrate the kid with oral electrolytes. Use PeptoBismol orally every six hours dosed at six (6) to ten (10) cc's to calm the stomach. Give over-the-counter neomycin sulfate orally (Biosol). If that is not effective, switch to prescription Sulfadimethoxazine with Trimethoprim.
Prevention: Reduce fever to normal body temperature with Banamine injectably or baby aspirin orally. Hydrate the kid with oral electrolytes. Use PeptoBismol orally every six hours dosed at six (6) to ten (10) cc's to calm the stomach. Give over-the-counter neomycin sulfate orally (Biosol). If that is not effective, switch to prescription Sulfadimethoxazine with Trimethoprim.
Contagious Ecthyma
Contagious ecthyma is an infectious dermatitis of sheep and goats that affects primarily the lips of young animals. The disease is usually more severe in goats than in sheep. People are occasionally affected through direct contact. The virus is highly resistant to desiccation in the environment, having been recovered from dried crusts after 12 yr.
Symptoms: Pustular and scabby lesions develop on the muzzle and lips. Bronchopneumonia and gastroenteritis. Morbidity rate is very high 50-60%, but mortality rate may be 5% in goat kids.
Prevention: Infected goat kids should be isolated. The lesions should be treated with antiseptic drugs. In generalized or systemic infection antibiotic should be given to prevent secondary bacterial complication.
Symptoms: Pustular and scabby lesions develop on the muzzle and lips. Bronchopneumonia and gastroenteritis. Morbidity rate is very high 50-60%, but mortality rate may be 5% in goat kids.
Prevention: Infected goat kids should be isolated. The lesions should be treated with antiseptic drugs. In generalized or systemic infection antibiotic should be given to prevent secondary bacterial complication.
Cuts, Punctures and Wounds
Cuts, punctures, gashes adn other wounds can almost always be avoided by good management. They can be caused by such hazards as barbed wire, horned goats, junk or sloppy housekeeping and other conditions under the control of the goat caretaker. Still, accidents can happen.
Treatment: Clean wounds with hydrogen peroxide for the first time only and then treat with a disinfectant such as iodine. Use judgement to determine if stitching is required or a veterianrian should get involved. Verify that the animal’s tetanus vaccination is current.
Treatment: Clean wounds with hydrogen peroxide for the first time only and then treat with a disinfectant such as iodine. Use judgement to determine if stitching is required or a veterianrian should get involved. Verify that the animal’s tetanus vaccination is current.
Cystitis
Bacterial cystitis is infection and inflammation of the urinary bladder.
Symptoms: Swelling of value, staining of perineum, frequent straining with small amount of urine, pus and blood in the urine, also show depression, anorexia and excessive thirst.
Treatment: With antibiotic plus use of 2 litre of warm water 1 spoon of hibitane or Dettol.
Symptoms: Swelling of value, staining of perineum, frequent straining with small amount of urine, pus and blood in the urine, also show depression, anorexia and excessive thirst.
Treatment: With antibiotic plus use of 2 litre of warm water 1 spoon of hibitane or Dettol.
Dermatitis
Dermatitis, in a simple definition, is an inflammation of the skin. It is widely believed that any form of rash is dermatitis but this is not entirely correct. Each condition is different just as exactly what causes each condition is different. The overall appearance of dermatitis is characterized by a rash which in most cases, is itchy and red, and may have distinct margins. The character of each rash is largely dependent upon how long it has been present. Acute dermatitis has blisters. Subacute dermatitis has scaling and crusting. Chronic dermatitis has lichenification.
Initial research indicates the following types of dermatitis associated with goats: Staphylococcal, labial, pustular, interdigital, alopecic exfoliative, malasezzia and herpetiformis. the only sure way to know if Staph is the problem is to have a vet examine the goat, take a skin plug of the infected tissue, and culture it. If there is a chance that the sick goat is having an immune-system reaction, a skin plug diagnosis is essential, because treatment for immune-system disorders can actually make Staph conditions worse.
In dealing exclusively with goats, most consider balding areas where scales, scabbing and crusting is present, to be dermatitis. In many cases, simply washing the affected area repeatedly and applying a topical such as mineral oil daily will solve the problem. In many cases, such conditions are caused by lice and mites (especially in the ears). However, there are other conditions that will present as dermatitis, and not be effectively contained using the above mentioned methods.
Staphylococcal dermatitis is a common skin condition in goats. Staph infections usually occur in areas of heavy rain and high humidity. No vaccine or other medication specifically targeted to control Staph in goats currently exists. Staph is very hard to eliminate since it is a highly adaptive and opportunistic bacteria.
Staph normally first appears on the underside of the goat in areas often in contact with the ground -- udder, teats, scrotum, insides of legs, stomach -- but it can spread to the entire surface of the goat's body. Staph infects the hair follicles, causing the hair to fall out, resulting in a hairless goat with sores over its body. Oozing raised pustules or thick "fish scale" scabs occur. This Staph does not necessarily pass from animal to animal but instead was most likely contracted through direct contact with the bacteria in its moist environment.
Using disposable gloves, paper towels, and plastic bags, the producer must squeeze the pus from the pustules and pull the scabs off before topical treatment can be effective. Purchase a bottle of Lime Sulfur Dip by Vet Solutions (97.8% lime sulfur concentrate sold only through vets) or similar prescription product. Mix as indicated on the bottle. Place in a trigger-squeeze spray bottle and apply generously to the affected skin after the scabs and pustules have been removed. Apply this spray daily until all evidence of the staph infection has disappeared. This product tends to crystallize when mixed and clog up the spray mechanism, so it may be necessary to change spray pumps every few days. At least two weeks of daily treatment is needed in most cases. Staph is difficult to cure, so the producer must stay vigilant and medicate until all evidence of infection is gone.
Along with this daily treatment, start the affected goats on an every-third-day into-the-muscle (IM) injection of a powerful broad-spectrum prescription antibiotic such as Nuflor, Excenel RTU, or Baytril 100; check with your vet on availability and legality of using of Baytril 100 in your area. Administer a minimum of three of these injections over the timeframe indicated above. Dosage is 6 cc's per 100 lbs bodyweight for each of the above-cited prescription antibiotics given every third for the purposes of this treatment only. Do not abort the antibiotic treatment; antibiotics need to be given for the full course to be effective.
Whenever a goat is ill, the use of an immune system booster is recommended. PolySerum or BoviSera are good injectable over-the-counter immune system boosters. BoSe (injectable selenium with Vitamin E) is also used by some producers for this purpose.
Initial research indicates the following types of dermatitis associated with goats: Staphylococcal, labial, pustular, interdigital, alopecic exfoliative, malasezzia and herpetiformis. the only sure way to know if Staph is the problem is to have a vet examine the goat, take a skin plug of the infected tissue, and culture it. If there is a chance that the sick goat is having an immune-system reaction, a skin plug diagnosis is essential, because treatment for immune-system disorders can actually make Staph conditions worse.
In dealing exclusively with goats, most consider balding areas where scales, scabbing and crusting is present, to be dermatitis. In many cases, simply washing the affected area repeatedly and applying a topical such as mineral oil daily will solve the problem. In many cases, such conditions are caused by lice and mites (especially in the ears). However, there are other conditions that will present as dermatitis, and not be effectively contained using the above mentioned methods.
Staphylococcal dermatitis is a common skin condition in goats. Staph infections usually occur in areas of heavy rain and high humidity. No vaccine or other medication specifically targeted to control Staph in goats currently exists. Staph is very hard to eliminate since it is a highly adaptive and opportunistic bacteria.
Staph normally first appears on the underside of the goat in areas often in contact with the ground -- udder, teats, scrotum, insides of legs, stomach -- but it can spread to the entire surface of the goat's body. Staph infects the hair follicles, causing the hair to fall out, resulting in a hairless goat with sores over its body. Oozing raised pustules or thick "fish scale" scabs occur. This Staph does not necessarily pass from animal to animal but instead was most likely contracted through direct contact with the bacteria in its moist environment.
Using disposable gloves, paper towels, and plastic bags, the producer must squeeze the pus from the pustules and pull the scabs off before topical treatment can be effective. Purchase a bottle of Lime Sulfur Dip by Vet Solutions (97.8% lime sulfur concentrate sold only through vets) or similar prescription product. Mix as indicated on the bottle. Place in a trigger-squeeze spray bottle and apply generously to the affected skin after the scabs and pustules have been removed. Apply this spray daily until all evidence of the staph infection has disappeared. This product tends to crystallize when mixed and clog up the spray mechanism, so it may be necessary to change spray pumps every few days. At least two weeks of daily treatment is needed in most cases. Staph is difficult to cure, so the producer must stay vigilant and medicate until all evidence of infection is gone.
Along with this daily treatment, start the affected goats on an every-third-day into-the-muscle (IM) injection of a powerful broad-spectrum prescription antibiotic such as Nuflor, Excenel RTU, or Baytril 100; check with your vet on availability and legality of using of Baytril 100 in your area. Administer a minimum of three of these injections over the timeframe indicated above. Dosage is 6 cc's per 100 lbs bodyweight for each of the above-cited prescription antibiotics given every third for the purposes of this treatment only. Do not abort the antibiotic treatment; antibiotics need to be given for the full course to be effective.
Whenever a goat is ill, the use of an immune system booster is recommended. PolySerum or BoviSera are good injectable over-the-counter immune system boosters. BoSe (injectable selenium with Vitamin E) is also used by some producers for this purpose.
Diarreha
Also see Scours.
Diarrhea should not be considered an illness in and of itself but rather a symptom of other more serious health problems in goats. Before treating a goat for diarrhea, it is essential to determine why the animal is scouring. There are four major causative agents of diarrhea in goats: bacteria, viruses, parasites, and management practices (overcrowding, poor sanitation, or nutritionally-induced problems).
Administering a diarrhea-controlling medication can make the situation much worse. Slightly soft stool is sometimes the body's way of ridding itself of undesirable products through the purging effect of diarrhea.
Neonatal Diarrhea Complex, which is the term used to describe diarrhea occurring in kids under one month of age, the cause of which may not ever be diagnosed, usually occurs during kidding season when extremes of weather take place . . . . excessive heat or cold or heavy rains.
Coccidia and/or worms usually are the cause of diarrhea in kids over one month of age. Both of these conditions are transmitted by fecal-to-oral contact and occur most frequently in intensive management situations where pens and troughs are not kept clean and dry and overcrowding exists.
Adult-onset diarrhea is less common than in kids, but nevertheless is quite possible. Overfeeding on grain (such as shell or cracked corn) can cause severe ruminal acidosis . . . literally shutting down the goat's digestive system . . . and can result in death. Heavy parasite loads can cause diarrhea in adult goats. Almost anything which negatively affects the proper functioning of the goat's rumen may cause scouring.
Diarrhea should not be considered an illness in and of itself but rather a symptom of other more serious health problems in goats. Before treating a goat for diarrhea, it is essential to determine why the animal is scouring. There are four major causative agents of diarrhea in goats: bacteria, viruses, parasites, and management practices (overcrowding, poor sanitation, or nutritionally-induced problems).
Administering a diarrhea-controlling medication can make the situation much worse. Slightly soft stool is sometimes the body's way of ridding itself of undesirable products through the purging effect of diarrhea.
Neonatal Diarrhea Complex, which is the term used to describe diarrhea occurring in kids under one month of age, the cause of which may not ever be diagnosed, usually occurs during kidding season when extremes of weather take place . . . . excessive heat or cold or heavy rains.
Coccidia and/or worms usually are the cause of diarrhea in kids over one month of age. Both of these conditions are transmitted by fecal-to-oral contact and occur most frequently in intensive management situations where pens and troughs are not kept clean and dry and overcrowding exists.
Adult-onset diarrhea is less common than in kids, but nevertheless is quite possible. Overfeeding on grain (such as shell or cracked corn) can cause severe ruminal acidosis . . . literally shutting down the goat's digestive system . . . and can result in death. Heavy parasite loads can cause diarrhea in adult goats. Almost anything which negatively affects the proper functioning of the goat's rumen may cause scouring.
Dysentery
This is presence of blood in diarrhea It may be a symptom of enterotoxaemia coccidiosis and some plant poisonings.
Enterotoxemia
Enterotoxemia is also called pulpy kidney disease and overeating disease. An autopsy soon after death will often show soft spots on the kidneys. It is cased by a bacterium that is always present, but when deprived of oxygen in the digestive system, produces poisons. There are 6 types of Clostridium perfingens bacteria that cause enterotoxemia. Types B, C, and D cause the most trouble, with type D most often affecting sheep and goats.
Cause: Overfeeding. Goats build up resistance to the poisons in small, regular amounts, but they can't handle sudden surges of them.
Symptoms: a dead kid and almost always an evil-semlling diarrhea. Sometimes there is bloat or staggering.
Prevention: Proper feeding on a suitable bulky, fibrous diet.
Cause: Overfeeding. Goats build up resistance to the poisons in small, regular amounts, but they can't handle sudden surges of them.
Symptoms: a dead kid and almost always an evil-semlling diarrhea. Sometimes there is bloat or staggering.
Prevention: Proper feeding on a suitable bulky, fibrous diet.
Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)
Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) is a highly infectious viral disease that affects cloven-hooved animals. Cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and deer are highly susceptible to FMD. Signs of infection occur in most affected species within one to five days, but sheep and goats may never show outward evidence.
FMD is incurable. It is caused by a virus which survives in the lymph nodes and bone marrow but dies in the muscle (meat) upon the onset of rigor mortis after death. There are seven or more types and 60+ subtypes of the virus, and it is constantly mutating, making preventative vaccination impractical and ineffective. FMD easily crosses species in all cloven-hooved animals. Deer and other species of wildlife can rapidly become infected and may re-infect domestic livestock. FMD is not transmissable to humans
Symptoms: Includes blisters in the mouth, on the lips and tongue, on the feet and between the toes, and on the teats. The blisters burst easily, forming lesions on the tissues. Excessive salivating and lameness are probably the best known signs of FMD, though each of these conditions may be the result of other illnesses or injuries.Other symptoms include sticky, stringy, foamy saliva; animals go off-feed because eating is painful; ruptured blisters discharging cloudy or clear fluid and leaving raw, ragged areas of loose tissue; rapid rise in body temperature, dropping to normal in two to three days; lowered conception rates; reduced milk production by females; abortions.
The United States is an FMD-free country, having eradicated all outbreaks by 1929. This is not true of many other countries. The disease is 100% infective, spreads rapidly, mutates frequently, crosses species, and destroys meat and milk production.
Treatment: Limited-access vaccines are available in killed-virus form. The FMD vaccine in all its variations is not preventative. Instead, it keeps infected animals from developing symptoms within about a week of being vaccinated. This, in turn, helps to contain the spread of FMD by creating barriers between disease-free and infected areas. Because the vaccine suppresses the symptoms (blisters, heavy salivation), it helps slow down the spread of FMD. Remember, this disease is 100% infectious.Currently there are major research projects underway to improve the protection afforded by FMD vaccine. These projects are focused on genetically-designed vaccines which will stimulate protection against several strains of Foot-and-Mouth Disease simultaneously.
FMD is incurable. It is caused by a virus which survives in the lymph nodes and bone marrow but dies in the muscle (meat) upon the onset of rigor mortis after death. There are seven or more types and 60+ subtypes of the virus, and it is constantly mutating, making preventative vaccination impractical and ineffective. FMD easily crosses species in all cloven-hooved animals. Deer and other species of wildlife can rapidly become infected and may re-infect domestic livestock. FMD is not transmissable to humans
Symptoms: Includes blisters in the mouth, on the lips and tongue, on the feet and between the toes, and on the teats. The blisters burst easily, forming lesions on the tissues. Excessive salivating and lameness are probably the best known signs of FMD, though each of these conditions may be the result of other illnesses or injuries.Other symptoms include sticky, stringy, foamy saliva; animals go off-feed because eating is painful; ruptured blisters discharging cloudy or clear fluid and leaving raw, ragged areas of loose tissue; rapid rise in body temperature, dropping to normal in two to three days; lowered conception rates; reduced milk production by females; abortions.
The United States is an FMD-free country, having eradicated all outbreaks by 1929. This is not true of many other countries. The disease is 100% infective, spreads rapidly, mutates frequently, crosses species, and destroys meat and milk production.
Treatment: Limited-access vaccines are available in killed-virus form. The FMD vaccine in all its variations is not preventative. Instead, it keeps infected animals from developing symptoms within about a week of being vaccinated. This, in turn, helps to contain the spread of FMD by creating barriers between disease-free and infected areas. Because the vaccine suppresses the symptoms (blisters, heavy salivation), it helps slow down the spread of FMD. Remember, this disease is 100% infectious.Currently there are major research projects underway to improve the protection afforded by FMD vaccine. These projects are focused on genetically-designed vaccines which will stimulate protection against several strains of Foot-and-Mouth Disease simultaneously.
Goat Pox
Sheeppox and goatpox are serious, often fatal, diseases characterized by widespread skin eruption. Both diseases are confined to parts of southeastern Europe, Africa, and Asia. It has been suggested that transmission may be airborne, may occur by direct contact with lesions, or mechanically by biting insects.Infection results in solid and enduring immunity.
Symptoms: Pimples that turn into watery blisters, then to sticky and encrusted scabs on the udder or other hairless areas such as the lips. It varies in severity.
Prevention: Pox can be controlled by proper management, especially involving sanitation. Be sure to keep bedding dry and clena and do not use udder-washing solutions that are too strong. Infected milkers should be isolated and milked last to avoid spreadking the disease to others. Time adn gnetle milking are the best cures.
Live, attenuated virus vaccines induce longer immunity than inactivated virus vaccines. Live, attenuated, lumpy skin disease virus also can be used as a vaccine against sheeppox and goatpox.
Treatment: Traditional treatment is methyl violet to dry up the blisters, but this is very drying and can make the udder painful. An antibiotic salve will keep the skin supple and prevent secondary infections.
Symptoms: Pimples that turn into watery blisters, then to sticky and encrusted scabs on the udder or other hairless areas such as the lips. It varies in severity.
Prevention: Pox can be controlled by proper management, especially involving sanitation. Be sure to keep bedding dry and clena and do not use udder-washing solutions that are too strong. Infected milkers should be isolated and milked last to avoid spreadking the disease to others. Time adn gnetle milking are the best cures.
Live, attenuated virus vaccines induce longer immunity than inactivated virus vaccines. Live, attenuated, lumpy skin disease virus also can be used as a vaccine against sheeppox and goatpox.
Treatment: Traditional treatment is methyl violet to dry up the blisters, but this is very drying and can make the udder painful. An antibiotic salve will keep the skin supple and prevent secondary infections.
Johne's Disease
Johne's (pronounced "Yoh-nees") disease and paratuberculosis are two names for the same animal disease. Named after a German veterinarian*, this fatal gastrointestinal disease was first clearly described in a dairy cow in 1895. A bacterium named Mycobacterium avium ss.paratuberculosis causes Johne’s disease.
Like CAE, this is a "wasting" disease. It primarily affects the digestive tract, probably with fecal-oral transmission. It cannot be diagnosed accurately in goats except by autopsy. The disease infectss young animals, either by interuterine transmission, congentially at birth or by mouth. Adult animals may be sources of infection even if they don't show clinical signs of the kisease. The kid infected at birth tyupically won't start getting sick for 1 to 2 years.
Symptoms: Frequently the only symptom is extreme weight loss or gradual loss of condition.
Prevention: Start witha clean herd and keep it that way. Beyond that, sick animals should be identified and removed from the herd and new infections in susceptible kids should be reduced by improved sanitation and modified kid-raising methods, including isolation from adults. Do not let the doe lick the newborn and don't allow the kid to nurse.
Treatment: There is no reliable test for goats adn no cure.
Like CAE, this is a "wasting" disease. It primarily affects the digestive tract, probably with fecal-oral transmission. It cannot be diagnosed accurately in goats except by autopsy. The disease infectss young animals, either by interuterine transmission, congentially at birth or by mouth. Adult animals may be sources of infection even if they don't show clinical signs of the kisease. The kid infected at birth tyupically won't start getting sick for 1 to 2 years.
Symptoms: Frequently the only symptom is extreme weight loss or gradual loss of condition.
Prevention: Start witha clean herd and keep it that way. Beyond that, sick animals should be identified and removed from the herd and new infections in susceptible kids should be reduced by improved sanitation and modified kid-raising methods, including isolation from adults. Do not let the doe lick the newborn and don't allow the kid to nurse.
Treatment: There is no reliable test for goats adn no cure.
Ketosis
Ketosis includes pregnancy disease, acetonemia, twin-lambinb disease and others. Ketosis occurs in the last month of pregnancy, or within a month after kidding. Its primary cause is poor nutrition late in pregnancy, but it's most likely to affect fat does, especially those that get little exercise. A dairy goat should never be fat; nutrition is particularly important when the unborn kids are grwoing padily and making duge demandson the doe.
Symptoms: A lack of appetite and listlessness.
Treatment: Treatment consists of administering 6 to 8 ounces of propylene glycol. This may be given orally twice a day, but not for more than 2 days. In an emergency situation, try a tablespoonful of bicargonate of soda in 4 ouncesof water, followed immediately by 1 cup of honey or molasses. Once the advanced stages set in, characterized by lack of appetite, then complete anorexia, have developed, no treatment is effective.
Symptoms: A lack of appetite and listlessness.
Treatment: Treatment consists of administering 6 to 8 ounces of propylene glycol. This may be given orally twice a day, but not for more than 2 days. In an emergency situation, try a tablespoonful of bicargonate of soda in 4 ouncesof water, followed immediately by 1 cup of honey or molasses. Once the advanced stages set in, characterized by lack of appetite, then complete anorexia, have developed, no treatment is effective.
Lice
Lice are almost universal and mild infestations cause little harm to well-nourished animals.
Symptoms: The goat is abnormally fidgety and has a dull, scruffy coat. A badly infested goat will rub against posts, fences, trees and anything else it can, have dry skin and dandruff and can lose a great deal of hair.
Prevention: Fresh air, sunlight and rain.
Treatment: Lice can be controlled by dusting, spraying or dipping.Ask your veterinarian for louse powder approved for use on dairy animals. All members of the herd must be treated at the same time to controllice.
Symptoms: The goat is abnormally fidgety and has a dull, scruffy coat. A badly infested goat will rub against posts, fences, trees and anything else it can, have dry skin and dandruff and can lose a great deal of hair.
Prevention: Fresh air, sunlight and rain.
Treatment: Lice can be controlled by dusting, spraying or dipping.Ask your veterinarian for louse powder approved for use on dairy animals. All members of the herd must be treated at the same time to controllice.
Mange
The condition is cuased by a very tiny mite. There are several types of mange. Demodectic is probably the most common type and can be stubborn. Scurfy skin cal also be teh result of malnutrition or an internal parasite infestation.
Symptoms: Flaky, scurfy, "dandruff" on the skin accompanied by irritation. hairlessness develops and the skin becomes thick, hard and corrugated.
Treatment: Mange can be treated with a variety of medications including amitrol and lindane, available from veterinarians.
Symptoms: Flaky, scurfy, "dandruff" on the skin accompanied by irritation. hairlessness develops and the skin becomes thick, hard and corrugated.
Treatment: Mange can be treated with a variety of medications including amitrol and lindane, available from veterinarians.
Mastitis
Mastitis is inflammation of the mammary gland, usually caused by an infection.Mastitis may be subclinical, acute or chronic. It is usually a relatively minor problem, but some forms, such as gangrenous, can be deadly. In mastitis, the alveola, or milk ducts, are actually destroyed. Since it's necessary to identfy the bacteria involved, the services of a vet are required.
Prevention: Mastitis can be cause by injury to the udder, poor milking practices, or transference by the milker from one animal to another. Hand milkers should wash their hands between each animal. Udders and teats should be washed and dried before milking. Teat dips can be very valuable, but be sure to use a concentration specifically for goats. Solutions such as Fight Bac are an extremely handy and an easy to use solution to cleansing udders and teats.
Home tests for mastitis are available from veterminary supply houses. The best-known is the California mastitis test, of CMT. However, it is sometime states the CMT is more useful in ruling out than for diagnosing mastitis in goats. In a well-managed herd, the predictive value of a positive test is unacceptably low.
Not all udder problems indicate mastitis. Hard udders such as just after kidding, that test negative for mastitis are referred to as congested and usually disappear. Congested udders re best cleared u pby letting the kids nurse and massaging the teats adn udder for 3 to 4 days after giving birth.
Symptoms: Hot, hard tender udder; milk may be stringy or bloody.
Prevention: Mastitis can be cause by injury to the udder, poor milking practices, or transference by the milker from one animal to another. Hand milkers should wash their hands between each animal. Udders and teats should be washed and dried before milking. Teat dips can be very valuable, but be sure to use a concentration specifically for goats. Solutions such as Fight Bac are an extremely handy and an easy to use solution to cleansing udders and teats.
Home tests for mastitis are available from veterminary supply houses. The best-known is the California mastitis test, of CMT. However, it is sometime states the CMT is more useful in ruling out than for diagnosing mastitis in goats. In a well-managed herd, the predictive value of a positive test is unacceptably low.
Not all udder problems indicate mastitis. Hard udders such as just after kidding, that test negative for mastitis are referred to as congested and usually disappear. Congested udders re best cleared u pby letting the kids nurse and massaging the teats adn udder for 3 to 4 days after giving birth.
Symptoms: Hot, hard tender udder; milk may be stringy or bloody.
Overeating Disorder
Overeating disease or enterotoxemia is caused by two types of bacteria, Clostridium perfringens types C and D. The bacteria produce a toxin when a goat consumes a large amount of milk or grain, thus slowing down the intestinal tract and providing a suitable environment for the bacteria to proliferate.If your kid starts scouring, you need to take him to the vet immediately in case he has overeating disease.
Symptoms: Often, there are no symptoms; an apparently healthy kid is just found dead. Occasionally, you'll see scours; when you do, they're usually bloody.
Prevention: Vaccinating against Clostridium perfringens C/D will help prevent it.
Symptoms: Often, there are no symptoms; an apparently healthy kid is just found dead. Occasionally, you'll see scours; when you do, they're usually bloody.
Prevention: Vaccinating against Clostridium perfringens C/D will help prevent it.
Parasites
Parasites are always present in every goat herd, but they need to be controlled as they are a disease as infected goats can become ill and even die. Internal parasites infect the gastrointestinal tract, liver, lungs, blood system, lymphatic system and skin.
Goats ingest these parasites while they are on pasture or even in the confines of the barn. The adult worm is living in the host’s abomasum, one of the parts of the stomach, and lays eggs in large numbers that are then passed in the manure. At this point, the eggs need to develop and hatch. This could take from five days to several months.
These larvae will develop in warm and wet conditions, so in many places parasitism is generally more of a problem in the spring when conditions are ideal, but problems appear during other times of the year when the weather permits. Prior to these larvae becoming mature they are ineffective. However, once they hatch they need to be ingested by the goat to complete the life cycle.
Because the larvae are not very mobile, they need rain to splash them onto blades of grass in the pasture. If your goats are forced to graze the pasture close this will usually increase the number of larvae ingested. It is important to understand the life cycle times of the parasites to develop a program to best control them, but again, this is where your veterinarian's guidance will be invaluable.
Goats ingest these parasites while they are on pasture or even in the confines of the barn. The adult worm is living in the host’s abomasum, one of the parts of the stomach, and lays eggs in large numbers that are then passed in the manure. At this point, the eggs need to develop and hatch. This could take from five days to several months.
These larvae will develop in warm and wet conditions, so in many places parasitism is generally more of a problem in the spring when conditions are ideal, but problems appear during other times of the year when the weather permits. Prior to these larvae becoming mature they are ineffective. However, once they hatch they need to be ingested by the goat to complete the life cycle.
Because the larvae are not very mobile, they need rain to splash them onto blades of grass in the pasture. If your goats are forced to graze the pasture close this will usually increase the number of larvae ingested. It is important to understand the life cycle times of the parasites to develop a program to best control them, but again, this is where your veterinarian's guidance will be invaluable.
Signs of parasites
Can include
The only sure way to determine if you have parasites and what kind involve fecal testing. This is typically performed by a veterinarian. The recommended practice is to have the exam performed twice a year for the first year and then work with your veterinarian for future schedules, based upon the findings. The veterinarian will then help you determine what kind of parasites you have and the best veterinary product to use to address those parasites.
- Lethargy
- Diarrhea
- "Clumpy" stools
- Lose weight or just maintain their weight
- Anemia (signs include the sclera of the eye being white instead of pink or red, gums that are pale pink or gray)
The only sure way to determine if you have parasites and what kind involve fecal testing. This is typically performed by a veterinarian. The recommended practice is to have the exam performed twice a year for the first year and then work with your veterinarian for future schedules, based upon the findings. The veterinarian will then help you determine what kind of parasites you have and the best veterinary product to use to address those parasites.
Main parasites that invade goats in the United States
- Bladder worms
- Haemonchus contortus (barberpole worm)
- Ostertagia (round worms including stomach worm, Cooper’s worm, wire worm, hookworm, threadworm, whipworm, and nodular worm)
- Trichostrongylus (lung worms)
- Tapeworms
- Coccidiosis
- Parelaphostrongylus tenuis (meningeal or brain worm)
Parasite Control Programs
Because of the limited market potential for drug manufacturers and the expense of testing,there are a limited number of officially approved medical products for goat's so it's important to work with your veterinarian to get the most current information. Some goat herd owners have turned to holistic measures such as diatomaceous earth to help control worms; however, there is no evidence to date to support this is effective.
Pasture management is a key element. If you manage your pastures and utilize good management practices you will not have a large infestation of larvae.
Grazing management involves:
Pasture management is a key element. If you manage your pastures and utilize good management practices you will not have a large infestation of larvae.
Grazing management involves:
- Moving goats between several pasture areas
- Maintaining forage in the pastures in a vegetative or growing condition
- Moving animals out of one pasture when it has been grazed down to an appropriate level.
As a rule, any and all newcomers to your herd arriving from another herd should be dewormed when they first arrive.
Rumen Acidosis
Too much grain in the goat's diet can cause rumen acidosis. By overfeeding grain, you cause the goat's rumen wall to inflame due to the amount of acid and a reduction in fiber digesting bacteria. Your goat may stop eating, may bloat, may scour, may act depressed; in severe cases, may die. Consult with the veterinary nutritionist on preventing this disease. If you suspect the goat has rumen acidosis, seek immediate veterinary attention.
Scours
Scours is a form of diarrhea that occurs in ungulates such as goats. Diarrhea occurs in many species, but in goat kids, it is especially dangerous. Baby goats are more susceptible than adults. Scours can lead to death quickly.Diarrhea should not be considered an illness in and of itself but rather a symptom of other more serious health problems in goats. Before treating a goat for diarrhea, it is essential to determine why the animal is scouring.
Baby goats younger than a month old are most susceptible to scours. Their scours consists of watery or pasty diarrhea that cakes the backside. Dark diarrhea runs from under the tail and down the legs. Rather than have one cause, there may be several causes, any one of which can cause scours. These causes include extreme weather conditions during kidding; early weaning; crowded conditions; dirty environment; bacterial infections such as E. coli, Clostridium, Campylobacter or salmonella; parasitic infestations such as cryptosporidia, coccidia, Giardia or worms; or a virus.
Symptoms: The kid will become weaker and dehydrated as he loses electrolytes and body fluids. A dangerously dehydrated kid will lie on his side, will show signs of severe dehydration such as sticky gums and lack of skin elasticity, and will be unwilling to drink; his legs will be cool to the touch. You will need to seek immediate veterinary attention. If untreated, the kid will go into shock and die.
Treatment: Make sure there is plenty of water available. You may need to encourage your goat to drink. Also offer electolytes. These can either be purchased or homemade (see the following recipe). Quarantine goat to keep other goats clean and to prevent a possible disease from spreading. Keep bedding clean and wash the soiled areas of the goat as needed to keep away flies. Wash hands well, If the cause is Cocciodosi, humans can get it too. Probiotics will help balance the rumen by introducing good bacteria. Baking soda will help balance the fermentation gasses and the acids in the digestive system. Feed only grass hays and eliminate grain from the diet. In the meantime, gather and provide a stool sample to your veterinarian to root cause the problem.
Sore Mouth (Orf Virus Infection)
Soremouth is a viral disease caused by an epitheliotropic parapoxvirus that is part of the chickenpox family. The virus enters the goat's body via cuts and abrasions. Also known as Contagious Ecthyma, Orf, and "scabby mouth," Soremouth is highly contagious, occurs worldwide and there is no known cure and is very contagious to both humans and goats.
Soremouth is a life-threatening disease to nursing kids. Infected lips transmit the virus to the dam's teats, making her so uncomfortable that the doe may refuse to let her kids nurse. Young animals may have difficulty nursing and may require bottle or tube feeding. Nursing ewes or does with lesions on their udders may abandon their lambs, and older animals with oral lesions may also require nutritional support. A large percentage of an infected kid crop can die from starvation if they can't nurse.
Once the virus appears, it is not unusual for most or all of the kids to contract Soremouth. Heavy-milking dams run the risk of developing congested udder or mastitis as they continue to produce milk but don't let kids nurse their blistered teats.
Soremouth must run its course and this can be as long as three to four weeks per goat. Goats that don't contract Soremouth -- those that are immune to the virus -- are still carriers, therefore they can infect other goats. Most goats that survive Soremouth become immune to it and usually don't contract it again, similar to humans who catch chickenpox.
How do animals become infected?
Material from the lesions of an infected animal contains the virus. The virus can be transmitted to other animals through cuts or abrasions in the skin. The teats of ewes or does may become infected through nursing lambs or kids. Any direct contact between animals -- muzzle to muzzle or skin to skin -- can result in transmission of the virus between animals.
Orf virus is particularly hardy in scab material and can remain viable in the environment for months, possibly years. Pastures, bedding, feed and feed troughs, and buildings may become contaminated with orf virus from released scab or lesion material making it difficult to completely eliminate orf virus from the immediate environment once an infected animal is present.
Symptoms: A goat infected with Soremouth looks like it is suffering from fever blisters, generally appearing on the hairless or lightly haired parts of the goat's body (lips, vulva, teats, and scrotum).
Animals can become infected more than once in their lifetime but repeat infections usually occur after a year's time and are generally less severe.
Prevention: Once Soremouth is on the property, it is there to stay. There are commercially available preparations of live virus marketed as vaccines. Producers considering using an orf vaccine product in their flock should consult a veterinarian. Vaccination practices vary depending on breed and geographic location. Because the orf vaccine is a live virus preparation, its use is only suggested for flocks that have previously experienced orf virus infection or in which vaccine has previously been used.
It can be difficult to prevent infection since orf virus survives in the environment. You can lessen the possibility of exposure by taking steps like these:
Treatment: Minimize discomfort. Using disposable gloves, apply of Gentian Violet to the blisters and scabs. Gentian Violet dries the blisters and hastens healing. Drying scabs sometimes contain staph bacteria or screwworm maggots. Gentian Violet kills bacteria that may cause a secondary infection. Systemic antibiotics are recommended if a secondary bacterial infection exists. The purple color of Gentian Violet gives the producer the added benefit of being able to see which goats have already been treated. Campho-Phenique is another good product to apply topically to blisters and scabs. Campho-Phenique Maximum Strength also has antibacterial properties.
Soremouth is a life-threatening disease to nursing kids. Infected lips transmit the virus to the dam's teats, making her so uncomfortable that the doe may refuse to let her kids nurse. Young animals may have difficulty nursing and may require bottle or tube feeding. Nursing ewes or does with lesions on their udders may abandon their lambs, and older animals with oral lesions may also require nutritional support. A large percentage of an infected kid crop can die from starvation if they can't nurse.
Once the virus appears, it is not unusual for most or all of the kids to contract Soremouth. Heavy-milking dams run the risk of developing congested udder or mastitis as they continue to produce milk but don't let kids nurse their blistered teats.
Soremouth must run its course and this can be as long as three to four weeks per goat. Goats that don't contract Soremouth -- those that are immune to the virus -- are still carriers, therefore they can infect other goats. Most goats that survive Soremouth become immune to it and usually don't contract it again, similar to humans who catch chickenpox.
How do animals become infected?
Material from the lesions of an infected animal contains the virus. The virus can be transmitted to other animals through cuts or abrasions in the skin. The teats of ewes or does may become infected through nursing lambs or kids. Any direct contact between animals -- muzzle to muzzle or skin to skin -- can result in transmission of the virus between animals.
Orf virus is particularly hardy in scab material and can remain viable in the environment for months, possibly years. Pastures, bedding, feed and feed troughs, and buildings may become contaminated with orf virus from released scab or lesion material making it difficult to completely eliminate orf virus from the immediate environment once an infected animal is present.
Symptoms: A goat infected with Soremouth looks like it is suffering from fever blisters, generally appearing on the hairless or lightly haired parts of the goat's body (lips, vulva, teats, and scrotum).
- Sores are typically found on the lips, muzzle, and in the mouth.
- Early in the infection, sores appear as blisters that develop into crusty scabs.
- Sheep and goats may get sores on their lower legs and teats, especially when ewes or does are nursing infected lambs or kids.
Animals can become infected more than once in their lifetime but repeat infections usually occur after a year's time and are generally less severe.
Prevention: Once Soremouth is on the property, it is there to stay. There are commercially available preparations of live virus marketed as vaccines. Producers considering using an orf vaccine product in their flock should consult a veterinarian. Vaccination practices vary depending on breed and geographic location. Because the orf vaccine is a live virus preparation, its use is only suggested for flocks that have previously experienced orf virus infection or in which vaccine has previously been used.
It can be difficult to prevent infection since orf virus survives in the environment. You can lessen the possibility of exposure by taking steps like these:
- Since animals with cuts or abrasions are most susceptible to infection reduce the likelihood of this by removing thistle or harsh brush from pastures.
- Disinfect buildings where animal husbandry is carried out and common feed troughs.
- Wash or disinfect your hands between touching infected animals and non-infected animals.
- Isolate new animals until sore mouth is ruled out.
- Open your own animal's mouth at public events such as fairs and shows.
Treatment: Minimize discomfort. Using disposable gloves, apply of Gentian Violet to the blisters and scabs. Gentian Violet dries the blisters and hastens healing. Drying scabs sometimes contain staph bacteria or screwworm maggots. Gentian Violet kills bacteria that may cause a secondary infection. Systemic antibiotics are recommended if a secondary bacterial infection exists. The purple color of Gentian Violet gives the producer the added benefit of being able to see which goats have already been treated. Campho-Phenique is another good product to apply topically to blisters and scabs. Campho-Phenique Maximum Strength also has antibacterial properties.
Urinary Calculi
Urinary Calculi is the formation of crystals or stones in the urinary tract which block the elimination of urine from the body. (These are commonly referred to as Kidney Stones in humans.) Most often these crystals are formed due to a metabolic imbalance in the body caused by feeding too much grain to bucks and wethers. This is most commonly found in show wethers, or bucks being given large amounts of a high-concentrate feed along with low amounts of roughage or hay.
There are several different types of crystals or stones but the one most prevalent with home based breeders is struvite crystals. Struvite (STRU-Vite) crystals are formed when the calcium phosphorus ratio is off in the diet, and feeding low amount s of hay. In the winter, when goats don’t drink as much water, this can compound the problem.
Prevention: A large part of this problem is the early castration of bucks/wethers. When bucks are wethered at an early age, they lose the hormones needed to fully develop their urinary tract, basically once the testosterone is gone the urinary tract quits growing. If your wether was castrated early though there is still hope that he will be fine, with some due diligence on your part.
If you have wethers or even bucks making sure their diet is high in roughage and low in grain is imperative. Some breeds or bloodlines are more prone to urinary calculi just as some humans are more susceptible to having kidney stones. If you must feed a concentrate feed to your wethers or bucks:
Ammonium Chloride is a common ingredient in meat goat feeds because of the high incidence of Urinary Calculi seen in market animals. These market animals are usually pushed to develop quickly by giving a high concentrate feed with very little hay or roughage. Ammonium chloride is a common ingredient in most commercially based meat goat feeds.
You must be careful when feeding Ammonium Chloride to any does in the pasture, especially milk animals. When does are lactating the ammonium chloride will not allow for the uptake of calcium and in later years does bones will become brittle if being fed a ration containing ammonium chloride.
There are several different types of crystals or stones but the one most prevalent with home based breeders is struvite crystals. Struvite (STRU-Vite) crystals are formed when the calcium phosphorus ratio is off in the diet, and feeding low amount s of hay. In the winter, when goats don’t drink as much water, this can compound the problem.
Prevention: A large part of this problem is the early castration of bucks/wethers. When bucks are wethered at an early age, they lose the hormones needed to fully develop their urinary tract, basically once the testosterone is gone the urinary tract quits growing. If your wether was castrated early though there is still hope that he will be fine, with some due diligence on your part.
If you have wethers or even bucks making sure their diet is high in roughage and low in grain is imperative. Some breeds or bloodlines are more prone to urinary calculi just as some humans are more susceptible to having kidney stones. If you must feed a concentrate feed to your wethers or bucks:
- make sure it is a forage based product (NOTE: Feeding corn only is not acceptable. Corn contains high amounts of phosphorus which will throw off the calcium phosphorus ratio.)
- Contains Ammonium Chloride
- The feed is a supplement to good quality hay
- The water source is clean, and fresh
Ammonium Chloride is a common ingredient in meat goat feeds because of the high incidence of Urinary Calculi seen in market animals. These market animals are usually pushed to develop quickly by giving a high concentrate feed with very little hay or roughage. Ammonium chloride is a common ingredient in most commercially based meat goat feeds.
You must be careful when feeding Ammonium Chloride to any does in the pasture, especially milk animals. When does are lactating the ammonium chloride will not allow for the uptake of calcium and in later years does bones will become brittle if being fed a ration containing ammonium chloride.
How to use a stomach tube
You can purchase stomach tubes specifically sized for goats at goat supply stores or the clear tubing that is sold in beer and wine-making supply stores also works well. The primary concern is to select a tube large enough to allow for the passage of the fluid but not so large as to cause the collapse of the trachea.
If, as the tube is being inserted, you notice that the animal is having trouble breathing, then use a smaller tube. Initially there may be a brief change in respiration because of anxiety, so wait a few moments to better determine the root cause of the breathing problem. After the tube is in place, make sure there are no breathing sounds in order to confirm that you have not placed the tube in the lungs. Wait a couple of minutes for the animal to relax, then slowly pour the liquid or medication into the tube. Using a syringe without a plunger often works well. After the total amount of the liquid has run down the tube, wait a couple of minutes to give the full length of the tube time to empty. Do not pull the tube out while there is still liquid in it because it will cause some of the liquid to drip into the lungs. Withdraw the tube rapidly.
If, as the tube is being inserted, you notice that the animal is having trouble breathing, then use a smaller tube. Initially there may be a brief change in respiration because of anxiety, so wait a few moments to better determine the root cause of the breathing problem. After the tube is in place, make sure there are no breathing sounds in order to confirm that you have not placed the tube in the lungs. Wait a couple of minutes for the animal to relax, then slowly pour the liquid or medication into the tube. Using a syringe without a plunger often works well. After the total amount of the liquid has run down the tube, wait a couple of minutes to give the full length of the tube time to empty. Do not pull the tube out while there is still liquid in it because it will cause some of the liquid to drip into the lungs. Withdraw the tube rapidly.
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