How to Stop Goat Scours in Kids

Scours, or diarrhea, can be deadly in kids and young goats. Prompt treatment may save your goat's life, so be sure you don't delay once you see a symptom of scours in your kids. Treatment for scours will depend on the cause, because it is a symptom, not the disease itself, and in some cases (depending on the cause) stopping the scour may not be the best course.

Things You'll Need

  • Veterinarian
  • Electrolyte formula for goats
  • Bismuth subsalicylate
  • Kaolin Pectin
  • Yogurt
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Instructions

    • 1

      Get your goat to a vet right away to find out why your goat has scours. The causes can be viral, bacterial, a change in diet or an environmental toxin, and ultimately to stop the scours you will need to know how it started. Be sure to follow your vet's treatment plan.

    • 2

      Keep your goat hydrated while waiting for the scours to pass by using an electrolyte feeding solution, available at many feed stores.

    • 3

      Dose your goat with over-the-counter formulations of bismuth subsalicylate or Kaolin Pectin, if your vet says it's OK to do so. Be sure to ask for dosing directions for your goat before giving them any over-the-counter human medicines.

    • 4

      Give your goat small amounts of yogurt as he recovers to help replace his intestinal bacteria, particularly if he has been on a course of antibiotics. This can help prevent further stomach discomfort.