Stopping & Treating Goat Diarrhea
Goat Diarrhea or scouring should not be taken as an isolated condition. If your goat is suffering from this, it is likely to be a sign of other health issues.
The first step towards treatment is to identify the reason behind the scouring. If proper treatment is not provided in time, your goats can die.
Generally, scouring in goats is a result of infection by bacteria, parasites and viruses. Your own management of your goats can also be a factor though, especially if you don’t maintain good sanitation for them.
However, sometimes soft stool is natural and is not a cause for concern. If your goat is constantly passing soft stool though, you should consider the possibility of illness and follow the steps in this guide.
Instructions
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1
Isolate the infected goat
Once you identify an infected goat, isolate it immediately to prevent the diarrhea from spreading to the other goats. The infection can be passed through stool, so it is recommended that you clear up the area and move the healthy, uninfected goats away too. -
2
Check for dehydration
If your goat is suffering from diarrhea your first concern should be to keep it hydrated. Scouring leads to loss of fluids from the body, which can result in severe dehydration and even death.
The method of checking whether your goat is dehydrated is to pinch its skin, and if it does not snap back into place, you need to get a bucket with water and electrolytes immediately.
You need to ensure that your goat remains hydrated throughout the recovery period.
Recipe for a homemade electrolyte:
- 2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 4oz White Corn Syrup
Mix all of this a bucket with around 4 and a half liters of water and give it to your goat. -
3
Consider dietary changes
Diarrhea can also be a result of diet changes and high concentration of grains. If you have recently made changes in the feed you give your goats, it might be the reason behind the diarrhea.
If that is the case, stop feeding your goats grains and move them onto electrolytes and light food until the diarrhea stops. -
4
Color of the stool
The color of your goat’s stool can also indicate the type of infection. If it is Green, it is probably related to diet and should go away on its own.
If the stool is dark and foul smelling, it is probably due to Johnes Disease. Black and yellowish stool can be caused by Salmonellosis, which can also lead to fever. Coccodiosis can also cause dark colored foamy stool with a foul smell. -
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Medication
If your goat is suffering from an infection, you will need to provide medication along with the electrolyte. While antibiotics are typically administered, you should consult a veterinarian urgently and get your goats checked professionally. -
6
General tips for treating Goat Diarrhea
- Baby goats are more vulnerable and need urgent attention.
- Keeping your goats hydrated until recovery is important.
- Do not ignore treatment to save money. Get professional help.
