Goats are stoic animals — they often hide illness until they're quite unwell. Knowing the early warning signs can save your goat's life.
Normal Vital Signs — Know the Baseline
- Temperature: 38.5°C – 39.5°C (goats run warmer than humans)
- Heart rate: 70–90 beats per minute
- Respiratory rate: 15–30 breaths per minute
- Rumen sounds: You should hear gurgling on the left side every 30–60 seconds
A goat that leaves the group and stays alone is almost always unwell. This is a reliable early warning sign.
A goat that refuses grain (their favourite thing) is sick. Loss of appetite for more than 12 hours requires investigation.
Frothy or free-gas bloat is a veterinary emergency. The left side swells visibly. Act immediately — walk the goat, call the vet.
Persistent teeth grinding indicates pain. Find and address the source.
Clear discharge may indicate respiratory infection. Yellow or cloudy discharge is more serious and requires veterinary attention.
Particularly serious in kids. Adult goats with prolonged scours need immediate attention and fluid replacement.
Check the inner lower eyelid (FAMACHA). Should be pink to red. Pale or white = severe anaemia from barber pole worm.
Urinary calculi (kidney stones) are common in male goats fed too much grain. Straining to urinate is an emergency.
Check hooves for foot rot, foot scald, or injury. Foot rot has a distinctive foul smell.
A goat standing with arched back, weight on front feet, and grinding teeth is in abdominal pain. Call your vet immediately.
Essentials: digital thermometer, electrolyte powder, wound spray, FAMACHA eye scoring card, and your vet's phone number.
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