Goat Acidosis Symptoms

Often taking place after a goat escapes and gets into the grain bin, goat acidosis occurs when your goat eats too much concentrate (grain). Knowing goat acidosis symptoms will help you identify and provide treatment for this potentially life-threatening disorder.

  1. Acute Acidosis

    • Symptoms of acute acidosis--the more serious form of this health disorder--include bloat, stargazing (staring off into space), decreased rumen movements, staggering, coma and eventually death.

    Sub-Acute Acidosis

    • According to Jackie Nix, an animal nutritionist with Sweetlix Livestock Supplements, sub-acute acidosis is characterized by reduced appetite and decreased animal performance. Diarrhea, panting, decreased cud chewing and other signs of stomach problems (such as kicking at the belly) often accompany sub-acute acidosis.

    Causes

    • According to David G. Pugh, DVM, Assistant Professor at Auburn University's College of Veterinary Medicine, goat acidosis symptoms occur when your goat consumes large amounts of carbohydrates, which ferment too rapidly in the rumen and lower your goat's rumen pH to dangerous levels. Excessive grain intake usually causes goat acidosis, but fruits, candies, apples and potatoes may also bring about this condition.

    Treatment

    • If you suspect your goat is suffering from acidosis symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately for diagnosis and treatment. Your veterinarian may administer a simple drench of bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) or give your goat antibiotics, depending upon the severity of your goat's case of acidosis.

    Prevention/Solution

    • To prevent goat acidosis symptoms from appearing in your goat herd, you must provide your goats with a well-balanced diet that includes forage (hay) and practice proper feed management techniques. If you make any feed changes, do so gradually so your goats can adapt to the new feed. Be sure to keep your grain locked in a secure area that your goats can't access.