Vet Supplies for Goats

Although your local veterinarian should handle your goats' serious health problems, you will want to have a box of medical supplies on hand for your goats' minor health issues, preventative treatments and emergency care. Store vet supplies for your goats in a plastic bin with a tight-fitting lid, except for those that must be refrigerated. Keep your emergency goat supplies bin at room temperature on a shelf that's out of reach of curious children.

  1. Thermometer

    • Your thermometer is a key tool for gauging the state of your goat's health. Look for a vet thermometer, which is specially designed for rectal use with animals. Available for purchase at livestock supply stores and goat supply websites, these inexpensive thermometers have a ring at one end. A long string tied to the ring gives you an easy way to remove the thermometer. Keep a container of isopropyl alcohol with your thermometer to sterilize it after each use.

    CD/T Vaccinations

    • This yearly vaccination typically costs less than $1 per dose and provides protection for your goat against Clostridium perfringens and tetanus, two common--and often deadly--infections that occur regularly in goats. Purchase enough vaccination to provide each of your goats with an initial dose, followed by a second dose 21 to 28 days later. They will need a yearly booster thereafter.

    Needles and Syringes

    • Between vaccinations and injections of supplemental vitamins or medications that your vet may suggest, you should plan on having several needles and syringes on hand to administer the shots. According to Gail Damerow, author of "Your Goats," 18-gauge needles are ideal. Purchase syringes in several different sizes, including 3-cc and 5-cc syringes.

    Epinephrine

    • Ask your vet to prescribe this medication for your goat so you can have it available for emergency treatment if your goat develops anaphylactic shock. Anaphylactic shock may occur immediately after any type of injection, and the only effective treatment is an emergency shot of epinephrine. Failure to have this prescription medication readily available when you're giving your goat a shot may result in your goat's death.

    Wound Treatment Supplies

    • Equipped with an insatiable curiosity, goats often develop wounds and lacerations. Equip your vet supply bin with clean towels or cloth diapers to stop any bleeding. Hydrogen peroxide, veterinary-strength iodine and triple antibiotic ointment should also be available to clean and dress the wounds. Use flexible veterinary bandages to protect open cuts from dirt.

    Hoof Rot Medication

    • Even when you trim your goats' hooves on a monthly basis, hoof rot often occurs during excessively wet, rainy seasons, causing lameness, a ragged hoof surface and a distinct, foul smell. Have hoof rot medication on hand so you can begin treating the infection immediately to minimize damage to your goats' hooves from this highly contagious bacterial infection. Look for a liquid spray or soaking solution that contains zinc sulfate or copper sulfate as its active ingredient.