shaky goat

[Chicks&Feathers]

My pygmy billy is acting really strange. His head is really shaky and his eyes are going from side to side rapidly. He can't stand up very long without falling over after a bit. Anybody know what could be wrong with my baby? Please help!!

 

[elevan]

How old is he?

Do you have any poisonous plants that he can get to?

How long has this been going on?

 

[Chicks&Feathers]

I don't think there are any poisinous plants. He is 6 months old. This is scaring me so bad! He seems to be standing a little better, but still falling over every little bit. I've been trying to get him to lay down, but he won't.

 

[Chicks&Feathers]

I forgot to say-this has only been going on since about 6:30 this evening. I was out with my goats at 5:00 pm and all was well. I found him like this at 6:30.

 

[helmstead]

Tetanus, polio or listeriosis.

 

[elevan]

http://www.tennesseemeatgoats.com/articles2/listeriosis.html

 

[Roll farms]

Sounds like listeriosis. Get his temp, the high temp causes the brain to sort of 'fry' on one side, (putting it reallllly simply here), that causes the staggering, circling, eye stuff, etc.

You need to get him on Pen G NOW, high doses (1 cc per 25#) every 4-6 hrs for the first 24 hours, then every 8 hrs for 3 days, then 2x a day for another week.

Vitamin B shots - 5-8 cc 2x a day.
Probiotics.
Check his eyelids, if he can't blink, you'll have to coat the eye w/ antibiotic ointment to keep it from ulcerating. Usually only one side is affected (hence the circling, they are trying to see w/ the other eye).

If he's unable to eat/drink on his own, you will have to drench electrolytes and make some sort of slurry to feed him...it *has* to have fiber in it to keep his rumen going. I used chopped alfalfa, oats, mollases, and enough gatoraide to get it to go through a big syringe w/ the tip cut off.

Like Kate said, tetanus and goat polio mimic a lot of the symptoms but if it's Polio he will need a big shot of Thiamine (vet can sell you) and if it's tetanus, you'll need Tetanus Antitoxin (most farm stores carry - give him the entire vial) and it's very very hard to bring goats through tetanus....but possible. I did that as well w/ Pen G and lots of supportive care.

Good luck!

 

[Chicks&Feathers]

Thank you to all on your responses. I just got back from the vet and he says it is polio. He gave him two shots-Baytril and Vitamin B. I have to do this for the next 2 days. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and saying my prayers! Would appreciate all prayers sent our way. It's amazing that our little critters end up being a part of our family! Thank you everyone once again! I will keep all updated.

 

[goatmama]

Chicks and Feathers,
Hope your goatee made it. Just read your post. So hard to watch. Glad you have a vet. We don't have one here.
God Bless, alyce

 

[Chicks&Feathers]

Thank you! He is doing really good! He has fallen over a few times while trying to run to me, but otherwise he is walking good, eating good, ect. I couldn't be happier!!!! I am also glad that we have good vets here!! Have a wonderful day. Lee Ann