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38 4-H Market Goat Project
BLOAT
Bloat occurs when excess gas forms in the rumen.
If your goat is bloated, its left (rumen) side will
look like a balloon. Your goat will be in pain and
may grunt, slobber, cry, and kick at its stomach. If
you have never treated bloat, it is best to call a
veterinarian. The vet will relieve the gas pressure
by using anti-ferments and perhaps a stomach
tube. The best way to prevent bloat is to make
sure you limit your goat's consumption of new
grass or legumes (alfalfa, peas).
PINKEYE
Pinkeye usually occurs when it is hot and windy
or during times of high face fly infestation. Dusty
hay fed from an overhead bag or a high manger
will cause dust to fall into your goat's eyes and
may contribute to the disease. Your goat's eye
will water and may cloud over. The conjunctiva
(white part) of the eye will turn pink or even
bright red. Pinkeye is very contagious, and goats
with pinkeye can infect people. Pinkeye is usually
treated with an eye ointment or spray that con
tains a broad-spectrum antibiotic. Antibiotics can
be obtained from your veterinarian. Always wear
gloves and be sure to wash your hands after you
have treated a goat that has pinkeye.
ENTEROTOXEMIA
This disease is often referred to as the "overeating
disease." In most cases it occurs when a young
goat begins to eat concentrate well and takes in
more energy and protein than its system can
handle. It is caused by a bacteria called
Clostridium perfringens (types C and D). Entero
toxemia should be suspected any time an animal
dies suddenly for no obvious reason. Common
symptoms of "overeating" are depression, lack of
coordination, and sudden, unexplained death.
The best prevention for this disease is to vacci
nate the kids. Another important management
technique that can prevent "overeating" is to
make any changes in the goat's diet over a period
of time. This gradual change allows the goat's
digestive system to adapt, rather than react
violently. It is a good practice to make any feed or
To check rumen function, gently place your hand or fist behind
the last rib and check for movement or a clenching motion.
management changes over a 10-day period to
reduce stress for the goat.
POISONING
We know now that goats will not eat everything
they come in contact with; however, they may
taste it. In some cases, a taste of a poisonous plant
or chemical may be all it takes to kill your goat. In
years of drought, when your goats have eaten all
of the plants they normally eat, they may begin to
eat plants that they normally would not touch.
Some of these plants, like water hemlock, will kill
a goat almost immediately. Some poisons will
only cause your goat to act strange or froth at the
mouth. Some may cause diarrhea. There are
antitoxins available on the market but you will
need to ask your veterinarian for a recommenda
tion. The best prevention for poisoning is to keep
poisonous plants away from the pasture. Remem
ber, goats have a great reach, so keep poisonous
plants out of the area. Some of the most deadly
plants to goats are used as ornamentals in land
scape plantings. Make sure you know what your
goat is able to reach at all times.
SORE MOUTH
This is a common viral disease in sheep and goats
and can be transmitted to humans. Sore mouth
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