Scanning your herd

Never underestimate the importance of scanning your herd on a daily basis

Every goat producer is busy. Whether your have a fulltime job and raise goats on the side or if raising goats is your full-time job, there are days when checking every animal just isn't possible. But even a quick scan of your goats can prevent minor health problems from becoming an emergency.

Animals are good at letting their human caregivers know when something is wrong, but leaning to recognize these signs can take time. Spending time with your health herd will give you a chance to learn their every day behavior. Then, when something is wrong, you can spot the problems quicker.

The following list is a good starting point if you are new to animals or goats and need to understand the signs of an unhealthy goat. While these signs will not tell you what the exact problem is, you should investigate it further and call in a veterinarian if the symptoms do not improve.

• Take the goat’s temperature. • Check its gums for color. • Listen for heart rate and ruminations. • Note whether the goat has • Injuries • Crusty eyes • Breathing problems or coughing • Diarrhea

Lastly, be ready to share any prior medical knowledge of the goat with the vet. By Taking these steps, you can be sure that your animal will receive a proper diagnosis and the appropriate care.

• Not chewing cud • Not getting up • Pressing her head against wall or fence • Not eating • Feces aren’t pelleted • Not urinating or straining to urinate • Not drinking • Pale or gray eyelids or gums • Hot udder • Limping or staggering • Ears held oddly • Isolating himself from the herd • Grinding teeth • Coughing • Unusual crying • Runny nose or eyes

Once you have a good idea of the problems and the symptoms have not improved, it may be time to call the vet. Before you make that call; however, you can do a few things to help the vet make a proper decision on whether emergency or routine medical care is necessary.