Polioencephalomalacia (Goat Polio)

Improper feed management, especially feeding much grain and not enough good quality hay,  is the most common cause of this disease. Other causes can be trying to put too much weight on a goat too fast, a sudden change in the diet, feeding moldy hay or grain, using amprollium (CoRid) to treating for Coccodiosis, and even reactions to the de-wormers Thiabendazole and Levamisole. These things often interfere with Vitamin B1 production.

Polioencephalomalacia is thiamine (Vitamin B 1) deficiency.  Too much grain decreases the pH of the rumen, causing the condition. Goat Polio is usually seen in weanlings and young adults, while Listeriosis is found in adult goats.

Some symptoms of Goat Polio include apparent blindness, weaving, staggering, circling, "star-gazing", diarrhea, and trembling. If the goat goes untreated, high fever can occur, causing convulsions. Without proper care and medication, the goat usually dies in 24-72 hours.

Treatment Day 1

You should see improvement by mid-day on the 2nd day of treatment, if not sooner. If you so not see any improvement I recommend calling your vet for more extensive treatment and testing.