Emergency Checklist

Giving credit where credit is due – this list is a modified version from the Med-A-Goat911 group – thanks!!

First of all, PRAY, ask God (the Great Physician) for His direction, wisdom, and help in this situation.  He created these goats that we love so much, what better expert could you ask for?

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God – Who gives liberally and without reproach – and it will be given to him.”  James 1:5

Help for your goat can be better provided if you know the answers to these questions, as best you can, before you call someone for help:

1. Rectal temperature of goat ….normal is between 101 and 103.5 degree F

2. Is the goat ruminating? (chewing cud)

3. Check the eye membranes & gums, are they reddish/pink, light pink, or white?

4. Check the mouth, is it warm and wet or cold and dry?

5. Is the goat having normal bowel and bladder function?

6. Is the goat eating and drinking?

7. Exactly what feed has the goat been in contact with in the last 48 hours?

8. How long has the goat been ill?

9. What age is the goat?

10. Is your goat a doe, buck or wether?

11. If a Doe, is she bred?

12. If so, what is her Due date?

13. If doe has recently kidded, when and how many kids did she have?

14. Is the goat up and standing/walking or is the animal DOWN?

15. If the goat is DOWN, when did it go down?

16. What vaccines has the goat had and when?

17. What dewormer has been used, how much and when?

18. What other medications has been administered to the goat, how much and when?

19. Is the goat head pressing? (standing with it’s head against a wall or fence)

20. Is the goat grinding its teeth?

21. Is the goat hunching its back?

22. Is the goat stargazing? (looking aimlessly into the sky)

23. Is the goat paralyzed? If so, where? (legs, face, etc)