Goat Diseases & Injuries – Let’s Talk Herd Health

[BYH Project Manager]

If you’ve raised goats for a while, you know they have a special talent for getting into trouble. One minute they’re peacefully chewing cud, and the next they’re limping, coughing, or looking like they just don’t feel right. Goats may be tough little animals, but they sure can keep us on our toes when it comes to their health!

Sometimes it’s something simple, like a scrape from the fence or a small hoof issue. Other times, it’s more serious, like bloat, pneumonia, or a parasite problem. The tricky part? Goats are great at pretending they’re fine—until they’re really not. That’s why catching things early can make all the difference.

Every goat keeper develops their own routine for spotting problems early. Maybe it’s the way you notice a goat hanging back from the group, not eating, or lying down more than usual. Or maybe it’s the habit of doing quick daily checks—like looking at their eyes, feeling their body condition, or watching how they move.

So let’s chat about keeping our herds healthy and safe.

• What are the most common goat illnesses or injuries you’ve dealt with?
• How do you spot when something’s “off” before it becomes a big issue?
• Do you have any tried-and-true remedies or first-aid tricks that help your goats recover faster?
• And when things get serious, how do you handle vet visits or emergencies?

Your experience might be just what another goat keeper needs to hear today. So, what’s your best advice for keeping goats healthy and healing fast when they do get hurt or sick?