How to do a Basic Goat Assessment when something is wrong with your goat. Step 1. Get a current temp

Assessment of your Goat:

1. Always start by taking your goats temperature! The normal temperature range for a goat is 101.5 to 103.5

2. Check your goats Famacha score to ensure it is within a normal, healthy range.

***Be aware a low or high temperature can alter your goats famacha score.***

3. Observe and check your goat.

• Can you hear a rumen sound? Is your goat chewing cud?

• Is your goat peeing normally? If you are assessing a billy or buckling is the pee a strong steady stream or a dribble?

• Are they pooping normal goat berries? If not what is the color and consistency of the goats poop?

• Is your goat lethargic? How is your goat walking?

• Is your goat grinding their teeth?

• Is your goat showing signs of respiratory distress? Looks for signs of difficulty breathing, fast respiration's, acting agitated, etc.

• Is your goat choking and/or coughing? Does your goat have eye and/or nasal discharge – if so, color and consistency?

• Can you see visible bugs on skin (lice or ticks for example)?

• Do they have scaly/crusty, flaky/dry skin, un-normal skin color (greyish or yellowish hue)?

• Do you see abrasions or open wounds on your goat?

• Is your goats eye twitching? Is your goat acting blind?

• Did he/she eat something they shouldn’t have (plants, leaves, chicken feed, etc.)?

Once you have done your assessment you can focus on the symptoms your goat is showing and how to treat them. This will allow you to figure out what is wrong, how to treat it and what supportive care is needed.