Signs of Illness in Goats

If you own goats, chances are, your hooved buddies keep you on your toes. Goats are both fun and adorable, and definitely have some very strong personalities. When it comes to caring for your goats, it’s very important for you to be able to recognize signs of illness. The sooner an issue is caught and treated, the better! In this article, a local Hoschton, GA vet lists a few common signs of sickness in goats.

Isolation

Goats are herd animals by nature. Even the lowest goat in the herd’s pecking order will usually stay near the rest of the herd. A goat that wanders off alone and isn’t mingling with his pals could be ill.

Lethargy

Goats are normally quite active: perhaps a little too active at times! A goat that spends a lot of time sitting or lying down could be ill.

Unusual Vocalizations

Goats are normally fairly vocal, and communicate with bleats and other cute sounds. A goat that is in pain may cry out. Get to know your goats, so you can recognize their normal vocalizations. This will also help you be able to tell the difference when one of your herd is vocalizing to express pain rather than just chattering to his pals or asking for dinner.

Swollen Midsection

A swollen tummy is another possible sign of illness in goats, and can indicate bloating. Contact your vet immediately if your goat’s belly seems swollen.

Posture

A goat that moves stiffly, or stands in a hunched-over position, may be sick.

Shivering

Shivering is another red flag in goats. If you notice one of your hooved pals trembling, contact your vet right away.

Pale Gums

Pale gums are another symptom of sickness in goats. It’s worth noting that not all illnesses result in pale gums, so don’t assume your goat is okay just because their gums look normal.

Dull Coat

A dull coat is a warning sign in many animals, and goats are no exception!

These are just a few symptoms of illness in goats. There are plenty more! Do lots of research and observe your goats closely to get to know their normal behaviors and mannerisms. Ask your vet for more information.

Should you notice any of these symptoms or any other unusual behavior in your goats, call us, your local Hoschton, GA animal clinic, right away to schedule an office visit.