Goat Diseases - Protecting Your Goats From Common Illnesses

Like other farm animals, goats also suffer from various

diseases especially if they fail to take occasional

vaccination. These goat diseases may be bacterial,

viral, or parasitic among others. As most of these

diseases can be hardly determined due to their

identical symptoms, it would be advisable for owners to

have them checked up every once in a while for the

benefit of the goat and for the safety of your farm.

Ketosis (Acetonemia) is one of the most common goat

diseases because of the animal's inclination to

concentrated food.


Another problem that farmers deal

with is when the goat becomes profoundly infested with

worms. This goat disease is known as 'big head.' You

can tell when the goat has big head if it suddenly

develops a swollen head accompanied by paleness of

skin. This should not be confused with bloating,

another common problem with goats. By observing your

goat, you will notice that it frequently urinates,

appears anxious, and behaves differently from the rest.

At this point, the goat should be taken for

consultation to avoid complications.

Goat diseases can be prevented with regular check-up. A

once-a-month visit to the veterinarian would be

advisable. Being on the lookout for possible trouble

occurring within the herd would contribute in

preventing loss of a goat. There are ways to know

whether something is wrong with one of the goats.

- Observe which among the herd often isolates itself.

Goats are naturally sociable and friendly that is why

they pass for a pet nowadays and separation from the

herd would mean a sign of problem

- Watch for abnormalities in feces and droppings.

Usually, one suffering from a disease would have

irregularity in droppings or urine. Among the most

recognizable symptoms for goat diseases are diarrhea

(with blood), pus from the ears, mouth, vulva or any

part of the goat's body

- Swelling of the chin is also another sign your goat

is ailing

- Notice defects in movements besides the behavior

Meanwhile, you can do your own goat check as well to

make sure that the herd is in the pink. The main areas

that you have to secure are the rectal temperature with

at least 39 degrees and the pulse rate that must be at

80 or less beats per minute.

It is important for every farmer to know the various

goat diseases that may affect a member of the herd.

Learning about the symptoms and first aid treatments

would also help to minimize the risk. Give them proper

goat care and you will only have to worry less.

Are you looking for more tips on protecting your goats

from common goat diseases? Separate yourself from the

usual goat owners who are prone to common mistakes. If

you would like to learn more tips on caring for goats

and how to raise goats correctly, click here:

http://www.raising-goats.com

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