Goat Medicine and Nursing

Goat Medicine and Nursing Jennifer Serling CVT Email: jserling@pmi.edu Behavior and Restraint Goats are gregarious, curious, and independent (make better pets) When fighting or play-fighting, a goat will sidestep, rear up on its hind legs, and head-butt from a downward and sideways angle Goats are browsers which means they prefer to forage from shrubs and bushes. Goat Restraint Capture by corralling into a smaller pen first Do not chase them, they will outrun you When captured, goats can be restrained by holding onto the horns, beard, or head & neck Straddling will help control the body Goats can be trained to walk on leashes The ideal method of restraining a goat is with a stanchion This can be imitated by straddling the goat and locking its head between your legs Goat Restraint Lateral recumbency: Turn nose away from you while reaching over the back and lifting the inside rear leg Pretend to bring the head and foot toward one another Kids: While sitting, hold in sternal recumbency between your legs Place hands around neck Can be held in dorsal recumbency this way too 1

Physical Exam Observe the animals interaction with its environment and herd mates Herding behavior Posture and gait Attitude, alertness Do this FIRST before you lay hands on the animal Similar approach as with other species Begin at the head and work toward the tail Follow a body systems checklist Same order every time for consistency Get information on the herd including vaccination history, food and water sources, and intended use of the animal. PE- Age Age can be estimated by evaluating the mandibular incisors Deciduous vs. permanent Wear & tear Dental formula (adult): 2 x (0/4i, 3/3p, 3/3m) = 32 The central pair of deciduous incisors (I 1 ) erupts first around one week of age I 2 erupt by 2 weeks I 3 erupt by 3 weeks I 4 erupt by 4 weeks PE- Age After 4 years of age evaluation is based on: Spacing between teeth Elongation of root necks General wear & tear Vitals Temperature Adults : 101.5-103.5 F Kids : 102-104 F Temperature is taken rectally Adult Heart Rate: 70-90 bpm Kids : 90-150 bpm Heart rate can be palpated or auscultated through the left side of the chest, just caudal to the elbow Pulse rate and quality can be assessed at the femoral artery, same as dog / cat Respiratory Rate Respiration Rate: 12-30 bpm Kids : : 20-40 bpm 2

PE Rumen Auscultation To listen to the rumen, use ear or a stethoscope and place it on the left side of the goat/sheep between the ribs and hip near the spine. Should hear ruminating 1-2 times per minute (sounds like thunder) SQ Injections Loose skin of the neck, just cranial to the scapula Loose Skin caudal to the elbow ASPIRATE PRIOR TO INJECTIING at any site!! SQ injections have a tendency to leave a knot behind, which may abscess IM Injections Intramuscular injections should be avoided in animals intended for meat Universal IM rules apply: Use a new needle, go in at a 90 degree angle, aspirate to check for blood Do not inject more than 3 ml at a time Rotate sites if you are giving multiple injections Muscular region in the neck is preferred for IM injections Hamstring muscle group may also be used although not in animal intended for meat IV injections and Venipuncture IV injections are typically administered via the jugular vein Same restraint technique as with jugular venipuncture on dogs Needle can be inserted either retrograde (against the flow/ up towards head) or anterograde (with the flow/ towards shoulder) Anterograde technique may be preferred if animal is fractious Insert needle at < 45 degree angle DO NOT hit the carotid artery!!! 3

Alternative IV Sites Alternative sites: Saphenous and Cephalic IV Catheter The jugular vein is the vein of choice for IV catheterization of sheep and goats The esophagus sits more toward the left, so most choose to set IV catheters in the right jugular vein 16 to 18 gauge x 2 in. catheter is ideal size Clip and clean area with aseptic scrub Insert catheter in the antegrade, downward direction Tape alone is likely insufficient to keep catheter in place IV line or extension tubing may need to be sutured to the skin Place a light bandage over the catheter entry site, going around the neck Vaccines and Preventative Medicine Common Ectoparasites Louse infestations can occur from two types of lice: biting and sucking lice. They are transmitted from animal to animal by direct contact, and immunocompromised and stressed animals are more susceptible. Clinical Signs Scratching Biting at self Itching Hair loss Rubbing Treatment of an insecticide 2 weeks apart can eliminate the infestation. 4

Common Ectoparasites Keds or Malophagus ovinus is a wingless fly that is similar in appearance to a tick. Keds will spend their entire life cycle on the host and can be spread from animal to animal by direct contact. The females will lay eggs and the resulting larvae will mature and bite the animal, sucking blood much like a mosquito. The bites cause significant irritation and the animal will scratch and rub, further exacerbating the area. Clinical Signs Anemia Hair loss Rashes Treatment involves administration of topical insecticide. Common Endoparasites HAEMONCHUS CONTORTUS Also known as the barber pole worm, this nematode affects mostly goats. Animals are infected by ingesting the H. contortus larva while grazing. Clinical Signs Dehydration Diarrhea Lethargy Poor and dull hair coat Anemia Pale mucous membranes Fluid accumulation in submandibular tissue Treatment is deworming and following a strict deworming protocol to prevent further infection. Common Endoparasites TELODORSAGIA CIRCUMCINCTA This common roundworm of sheep and goats is also known as the brown stomach worm. Animals are infected by ingesting larva from pasture. Clinical Signs- diarrhea, dehydration, anorexia, anemia Other CS: Fluid in abdomen and submandibular area (also known as bottle jaw) Treatment is administration of an anthelmenic and a routine deworming schedule. TRICHOSTRONGYLUS COLUBRIFORMIS Also known as the hairworm, this roundworm causes damage to the small intestine and stomach. It is transmitted by ingestion of the larvae from infected soil or grass. Clinical Signs : Diarrhea, Weight loss, lethargy Treatment is deworming and following a strict deworming protocol to prevent further infection. Common Diseases 5

7/31/18 Clostridium Perfringens Clostridium Perfringens Two types: EnterotoxemiaType C ( Bloody scours or enterotoxic hemorrhagic enteritis) Enterotoxemia Type D (Pulpy Kidney or Overeating Disease) Enterotoxemia Type D (Pulpy Kidney or Overeating Disease) C. perfringens releases toxins into the gut. Bacteria can be normal flora in the GIT. After overeating, these toxins are produced in large quantities and absorbed into the bloodstream, effectively poisoning the animal Neurological dysfunction, seizures Type C: Affects kids and lambs within the first few days of life Renal failure (pulpy kidney) Gastrointestinal distress Death in within 2 hours of onset of symptoms It causes an infection of the small intestine, resulting in bloody diarrhea or sometimes death without clinical signs. Enterotoxemia is often related to indigestion. It is predisposed by an overabundance of milk, possibly due to the loss of a twin. Treatment: antitoxin is available but must be given immediately Prevention is key Vaccinate Control feed intake Introduce new feed gradually risk of enterotoxemia can be reduced with adequate hygiene at parturition, such as meticulously cleaning pen, the wool of the ewe, and cleaning udders. 21 22 Tetanus Tetanus Neuromuscular disease caused by a toxin released from the spores of the Clostridium tetani bacteria Treatment: C. tetani bacteria lives in the soil and digestive tracts of livestock (ingested from grazing, shed in the feces) Antitoxin is available and should be given for immediate protection After gaining access through a break in the skin, the neurotoxin invades the peripheral nervous system, causing prolonged skeletal muscle contraction Onset of symptoms, recent injury, disbudding, castration, new addition to herd Symptoms: Best practice is to vaccinate herd for tetanus regularly Sawhorse stance or inability to stand Stiff extremities Lockjaw + anorexia Excessive salivation and drooling Incubation period is 1 to 3 weeks, death occurs 2 to 3 days after onset of symptoms 23 24 6

Caseous lymphadenitis Infection / abscess of the lymph node(s) caused by the bacteria Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis The bacteria enters the body through a break in the skin, or contact with the mucous membranes It may cause one or more lymph nodes to abscess, rupture, and drain pus Submandibular nodes are most commonly affected Pus is highly contagious Infected animals must be isolated and typically culled The disease can be contracted by humans through consumption of raw milk from infected sheep and goats, or if humans come in contact with infected carcasses and the bacteria enters a break in the skin. Treatment: None. Animals are culled. Caseous lymphadenitis A vaccine for this disease is available in two forms. One is a toxoid for the bacteria causing CL alone, and the second can be combined with the CD-T vaccine. The vaccine works best in animals that do not already show signs of CL infection. Do not vaccinate for CL in the last trimester of pregnancy to avoid vaccine-induced abortions. The vaccination does not treat for existing infections; animals must be vaccinated prior to exposure for the vaccine to be effective. The use of this vaccine is controversial, and producers should seek the advice of a veterinarian before making it a part of their herd management program. It does not provide complete protection, so cases will still occur on a farm infected with CL, but the incidence will decrease. 25 26 Listeriosis Listeriosis is a bacterial infection caused by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes. Natural reservoirs for the bacteria are the soil and the GI tracts of mammals. Sheep and goats usually ingest L. monocytogenes by grazing pastures contaminated by feces containing the bacteria. The bacteria can also gain entry to tissue via wound or inhalation. Listeriosis can result in abortion, septicemia,or meningoencephalitis. Clinical signs of listeriosis include anorexia, depression, disorientation, facial paralysis, excessive salivation, and in severe cases, affected animals may fall on their sides and exhibit involuntary running movements. Onset is fast, and death may occur 24 to 48 hours after onset of clinical signs. Listeriosis Listeriosis should be treated aggressively with high doses of penicillin or tetracycline, along with supportive therapy, including fluids and electrolytes. L. monocytogenes can be transmitted to humans who handled aborted lambs or kids, or during necropsy of septicemic animals, precautions should be taken. While cases of human listeriosis are rare, mortality rates can be as high as 50 percent, and there is the risk of abortion for pregnant women who contract the bacteria. 27 28 7

Vibriosis Campylobacteriosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Campylobacter fetus ssp. fetus or C. jejuni. It occurs in sheep and occasionally goats that causes abortion. Clinical Signs: Once infected with the organism, the ewe/doe may have a fever, diarrhea, and vaginal discharge. As the infection develops, inflammation of the lining of the uterus (endometritis) occurs and the fetus becomes infected and dies. Most abortions occur in the last 6 weeks of gestation. Disease Transmission: This disease is most often transmitted when a ewe/doe ingests the organism in contaminated feed or when a ewe/doe is exposed to an aborted fetus or placenta. Vibriosis Diagnosis: usually based on isolating the organism from a tissue or fluid sample. (Particularly the aborted fetus) Treatment: Once treated with abx, Breeding females generally return to normal after aborting and can then be used as breeding stock. Daily intramuscular (IM) injections of procaine penicillin G or by feeding tetracycline is typical course of tx Prevention: can be controlled by vaccinating and boostering all female breeding animals. A killed vaccine should be used at breeding time and again 60-90 days later. An annual booster is then required for all breeding animals 2-4 weeks prior to the breeding season. In general, this infection is NOT caused by the same organism that causes abortions in cattle, and the vaccine for cattle is NOT effective. 29 30 Q Fever Q fever is a bacterial infection that can cause abortion, especially in goats, but also in sheep. It is caused by the bacteria Coxiella burnetii, which are shed in milk, urine, feces, placental tissue and amniotic fluid, as well as spread through the air. Pasteurization is effective in killing the bacteria in milk. Clinical signs in ruminants include anorexia, abortion, and lesions. The disease is usually diagnosed by bacteria from an infected placenta, which will be covered with a gray-brown secretion. Outbreaks can be managed by administration of oral tetracycline, separating pregnant animals inside from the rest of the herd, and burning or burying reproductive waste. The disease can be spread to humans, especially farmers, veterinarians, and researchers who assist in the birthing process, who often exhibit flu-like clinical signs. Bluetongue Bluetongue is an insect transmitted, viral disease of sheep, cattle, goats, and other ruminants. Bluetongue virus is spread from animal to animal by biting gnats. It is particularly damaging in sheep; half the sheep in an infected flock may die. In cattle and goats, however, bluetongue viruses cause very mild, self limiting infections with only minor clinical consequences. A bluetongue virus infection causes inflammation, swelling, and hemorrhage of the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, and tongue. Inflammation and soreness of the feet also are associated with bluetongue. In sheep, the tongue and mucous membranes of the mouth become swollen, hemorrhagic, and may look red or dirty blue in color, thus giving the disease its name. 31 32 8

7/31/18 Bluetongue Contagious Ecthyma In the United States, the disease is most prevalent in the southern and southwestern States. AKA Soremouth or ORF Cutaneous infection caused by a member of the poxvirus family Animals cannot directly contact the disease from other animals. The bluetongue vaccine for sheep is only effective against certain serotypes, will not prevent the disease, and may cause adverse reactions. Pregnant ewes should not be vaccinated. Clinical Signs: Crusty lesions commonly appear around the mouth, nose, and teats Transmitted through contact with a break in the skin, typically from mouth to teat during nursing Treatment: None except for supportive care. Softened food and rest. This disease is ZOONOTIC 33 34 Contagious Ecthyma Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis Virus is extremely hardy; can survive in environment for up to a year CAE is a viral disease that causes polyarthritis, mastitis, wasting syndrome, and sometimes encephalitis in goats Poor immune response because infection is cutaneous; animals are capable of contracting after each exposure CAE is a transmammary virus Most goats contract the disease when they are young (through nursing), but will not show signs of disease until they are older Not typically fatal, although dams may refuse to nurse newborns Sores on teats are painful Many goats can harbor CAE asymptomatically, which is why frequent herd testing is important Lesions will likely self-resolve after 2 months Submit yearly blood samples for testing No treatment, but vaccine is available Human case is also self limiting but can apply topical antiviral drug. 35 36 9

Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis Most common symptom is swelling of the synovial joints, particularly at the carpus While the arthritis is very painful, CAE is not typically fatal No cure, just supportive care Accumulation of gas and/or froth in the rumen Bloat Amount of gas being produced > Amount of gas being eructated Rumen over-distends with gas This restricts the movement of the diaphragm, interferes with circulation, ultimately fatal if not treated Left side of abdomen will appear significantly more distended than the right Animal will show signs of discomfort, respiratory distress, laterally recumbent 37 38 Bloat is almost entirely diet-related Abrupt change in diet High grain diets Binge-feeding Turnout to lush pasture Rich hay or forage Bloat Treatment: Decompress gas Orogastric intubation Emergency rumenotomy / trocarization (severe cases only) Oral medication; surfactant (frothy bloat) Caused by: Toxoplasma gondii Toxoplasmosis If ewes or does contract toxoplasmosis early in gestation, they usually reabsorb the fetus. When infected later in gestation, abortions are common. Toxoplasma is a parasite of cats and rodents, who shed the agent into the environment (hay or feed) through their feces, where it can be ingested by sheep or goats. The only treatment for toxoplasmosis is prevention. It is important for producers to cover stored feed and discourage stray cats from hanging around barns that house gestating ewes or does. Feeding a coccidiostat mixed into feed can also be effective in preventing abortion due to toxoplasmosis. 39 40 10

Toxoplasmosis White Muscle Disease White muscle disease is a degenerative muscle disease found in sheep and goats. It is caused by a deficiency of selenium and/or vitamin E. Selenium deficiency is associated with areas where the soil is deficient in selenium, while a vitamin E deficiency reflects poor forage or feed quality. White muscle disease is most often seen in newborns and fast-growing animals. White muscle disease may affect skeletal muscles, heart muscle, or both. When the skeletal muscles are affected, the animal will arch its back with a hunched appearance, and have a stiff gait. Other signs include reproductive losses such as lower conception rates, fetal re-absorption, dystocia, retained placenta, reduced milk production, reduced semen quality, and reduced immune response. 41 42 White Muscle Disease White muscle disease can be treated with an injection of both vitamin E and selenium since the condition may be caused by a deficiency in one or both. Affected animals will usually respond to a single treatment within 24 hours, and a second dose of vitamin E (though not selenium) may be given if individuals are unresponsive. Treatment should not exceed two doses on a short-term basis. Indiana and Kentucky, and most surrounding states, are known to have selenium- deficient soils. The disease can be prevented through feed and mineral supplementation. Injections of selenium and vitamin E can also be given, but a producer should get advice on the use of these injections from a veterinarian. Pregnancy Toxemia Pregnancy toxemia (ketosis) affects ewes or does during late gestation. It occurs more commonly in sheep than goats. It occurs most commonly in either fat or thin animals that carry two or more feti. The condition develops when the ewe or doe cannot ingest enough nutrients to meet both the glucose requirements of the growing fetus and her own body metabolism. By late gestation the growing feti are taking up more space in the dam s abdomen, and she is often physically incapable of eating enough to meet her needs unless more nutrient-dense feeds are provided. If adequate energy is not available to the gestating ewe or doe, she can metabolize body fat to meet her own nutrient requirements. When fatty acids are metabolized at high rates, ketone bodies are produced, which can be dangerous in high levels. The condition where excess ketones are present in the bloodstream, known as ketosis, results in depression and anorexia until the ewe or doe becomes too weak to stand. 43 44 11

7/31/18 Pregnancy Toxemia Lactic Acidosis Ruminal lactic acidosis, often referred to as grain overload, develops as a result of animals consuming large quantities of carbohydrates. Excessive consumption of carbohydrates, specifically grain, results in a lowered rumen ph. The lowering of ruminal ph, or making the stomach more acidic, occurs because the microbial population of the rumen is not able to metabolize high levels of lactic acid produced during starch breakdown. Prevention: properly managing the weight of ewes or does throughout the year, and especially prior to breeding and during gestation. They can also be ultrasounded during pregnancy to determine fetal number, and animals gestating multiples can be fed and managed differently than those with singles Feeding grains with increased energy density during the third trimester, or about six weeks prior to lambing or kidding, will help to prevent pregnancy toxemia. Providing higher quality hay is also a good idea for gestating ewes or does. Clinical Signs: discomfort, anorexia, teeth grinding, muscle twitching, bloat, ruminal stasis, and diarrhea that may be off in color with a watery consistency.in severe acute cases of grain overload, animals can become extremely sick and the mortality rate is high. Treatment: Force feeding. Administration of propylene glycol to increase glucose levels. Vitamin B injections to stimulate appetite. 45 Lactic Acidosis 46 Questions? To avoid inducing lactic acidosis in sheep and goats, high grain diets should be introduced slowly over a period of 10 to 14 days to allow rumen microbial adjustment to the diet. Do not store grain in areas where sheep or goats can access it easily. Carbohydrate engorgement, resulting in lactic acidosis, can be potentially fatal and result in large economic losses for the producer. Treatment: supportive care 47 12

Souces https://www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/healthmanagement-interaction-goats/common-diseases-of-goats https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/catalog/files/project/pdf/e m9055.pdf https://www.merckvetmanual.com/digestive-system/gastrointestinalparasites-of-ruminants/gastrointestinal-parasites-of-sheep-and-goats Serling, J. (2016). Large animal medicine and nursing for veterinary technicians. Minneapolis, MN: Bluedoor. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/healthmanagement-interaction-goats/overview-of-health-managementinteraction-goats https://www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/healthmanagement-interaction-goats/nutrition-of-goats 13