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COCCIDIOSIS
Goats are essentially
very hardy animals, but coccidiosisis one of several diseases that will
kill them quickly.
Diarrhea, weight loss and
arrested growth in kids ages 3 weeks and older may be the first signs of
coccidiosis. Testing a stool sample may reveal coccidiosis to be the
cause but remember, something as simple as a change of diet,
indigestion, or too much milk or solid food at feeding can also result
in diarrhea. More serious causes for such symptoms may be a worm
overload, E. coli, or even enterotoxemia. It's vital to know what
you're dealing with before you start treating so you don't give
inappropriate medications.
Coccidia, the protozoal
parasite that causes coccidiosis, is breed-specific. Of the numerous
coccidia protozoa specific to goats, only 4 types cause goats to get
really sick. The good news is that a mild (subclinical) case of
coccidiosis will give protective immunity. A full blown (clinical)
infection attacks the intestinal lining causing inflammation and much
discomfort. If profuse bleeding ensues, death can occur from blood loss.
Other causes of death from coccidiosis are dehydration, electrolytic
imbalance and acidosis. Sadly, serious clinical infections can leave
intestinal scarring and stunted growth due to poor digestion and
nutritional mal-absorption -
http://hoeggergoatsupply.com/info/cocci.shtml
TREATMENT
Following a well planned
prevention program with the kids is important. Starting at 3 weeks of
age (timing is critical), we mix 1/2 cc of Di-Methox 40% in their milk
ration twice a day for one week. This particular from of Di-Methox is a
concentrated IV medication but given in very small dosage orally seems
to really ward off any problems. After the initial week's regimen, we
continue to give them a 1/2 cc dose once a week till they are weaned.
Areas where infected
animals have been confined must be thoroughly cleaned before the oocysts
can multiply. Coccidia are tough organisms that can survive most
disinfectants and hard cold weather conditions. Given the right
environment (warmth and moisture), a full blown outbreak can occur in as
short a time as 3 days.
Keep food off the ground.
Feeders should be at a height where goats cannot defecate or urinate in
them.
Treatment includes oral
dosages of anti-diarrhea medicine as frequently as needed to avoid
dehydration. Give Nutri_Drench, a concentrated vitamin/mineral
supplement to restore nutrition losses. A 10-cc SubQ injection of Goat
Serum Concentrate two days in a row will boost the compromised immune
system.
Sulfadimethoxine (Di-Methox,
12.5%) can also be given orally by mixing 1-1/2 tablespoons of Di-Methox
with 1-1/2 tablespoons of water and administer directly into mouth with
a Drench Syringe. This should be done once a day for 5 consecutive days.
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