Medication Information for Pinkeye in a Goat

Pinkeye is a serious illness in goats, which can eventually cause blindness if left untreated. There are two types of pinkeye; infectious (caused by by bacteria and viruses) and non-infectious. The medication that is used depends on the type. Pinkeye is extremely contagious so treating the entire herd, even those not displaying symptoms, is recommended.

  1. Causes

    • Pinkeye is caused by viruses, bacteria, stress from poor feeding or transportation, or overexposure to direct sunlight. Bright light and irritations from dusty hay or blowing dirt can also cause pinkeye.

    Symptoms

    • Signs of pinkeye generally include red-rimmed, watery and swollen eyes. Oftentimes, the goat will be seen squinting or blinking repeatedly due to light sensitivity. The cornea of the eye will become cloudy. In progressive cases, the eye will develop ulcers.

    Injections

    • According to Maria Lenira Leite-Browning, an animal scientist at Alabama A&M University, treat the infected eye with an injection of Tylosin 200 mg every day for cases caused by the microorganisms mycoplasma conjunctivae. An injection of either oxytetracycline or penicillin is a more effective treatment when the cause of the pinkeye is chlamydia.

    Ointments

    • Terramycin is an ointment used to treat pink eye. It is applied two to four times per day. It has seen more success than powders and sprays, according to Susan Schoenian, Sheep &Goat Specialist at the University of Maryland.

    Eye Drops

    • Eye drops containing oxytetracycline or penicillin applied directly on the infected eye are even easier to administer than ointments. Like ointments, however, they should be administered two to four times per day. Wash the face thoroughly before applying the eye drops to the eye and use rubber gloves to prevent the spread of the infection to other goats in the herd.