How to Treat Ruminal Acidosis in Goats
Ruminal acidosis, or grain overload, in goats can be life threatening. When goats consume large quantities of easily fermentable grain, the rumen distends and diarrhea begins, dehydration ensues and fever can rise due to the inflammation. Treatment must begin immediately. It involves settling the disturbance in the rumen, bringing diarrhea under control, cleansing the putrid matter from the digestive system and restoring alkaline balance to the rumen. Do not attempt to handle a case of rumen acidosis without the veterinarian's assistance. You may be able to begin care, but notify the vet and ask her to stand by in case the animal worsens.
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Things You'll Need
- Milk of magnesia, 8 oz.
- Goat lead
- Medications as dispensed by veterinarian
- Drenching kit
- Irrigation kit
Instructions
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1
Isolate the goat; check skin for paling. Check the heart rate. This can be done by listening to the goat's chest of at the level of the elbow when the goat is standing. If the rate is over 100 beats per minute, notify the vet. Likewise call the vet if the animal staggers.
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2
Remove all sources of feed and water for 12 to 24 hours except half a day's ration of high-quality hay. Do not feed alfalfa hay. Avoid free access to water as it will promote bloating.
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3
Exercise the goat. Walking will get things moving in the digestive tract. Walk the goat 5 to 10 minutes every hour.
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4
Administer 1 tbsp. Milk of Magnesia orally followed by 1 oz. water to an adult goat. Magna-Lax is the veterinarian equivalent of Milk of Magnesia. Always keep it on hand for ruminal acidosis. Authorize the vet to medicate with antibiotics and thiamin.
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5
Drench the goat with 50 g of magnesium hydroxide or magnesium oxide in a liter of warm water. This dosage is for a goat weighing 155 lbs. Knead the rumen. Wash the rumen with 10 to 15 irrigations of tepid water until the fermented grain is pumped out.
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6
Authorize vet to administer fluids intravaneously if needed. Authorize the vet to surgically remove the grain from the rumen if needed.
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Tips & Warnings
Postrecovery, vaccinate the goat for C1 perfringens types C and D.
Treat grain overload as an emergency. It is not just a little tummy upset. Begin treatment as soon as grain overconsumption is detected. As little as half again the normal amount can cause a big problem, as can types of grain unfamiliar to the goat and easily fermentable. The chain of events that can kill a goat in 2 to 4 days begins with the rapid fermentation of starch in the rumen. Lactic acid is produced and picked up by the bloodstream. This unbalances the body chemistry.
