Tetnus

Long term under nutrition is required for primary hypocalcaemia to develop. Goats require calcium rich diets after kidding. Alfalfa hay can provide this. Cereal crop forages such as wheat or oat hay are very low in calcium (0.15% and 0.24% dry matter (DM) basis respectively) as opposed to alfalfa hay (1.4% DM) and should be avoided unless the ration is balanced with other calcium sources. Over-feeding of calcium in late gestation by feeding alfalfa without balancing with anionic salts has been associated with hypocalcaemia in cattle. Feeding an anionic ration in late gestation will also improve calcium absorption from the gut and from the bones. The ration in late gestation and early lactation should also have a calcium:phosphorus ratio of greater than 1.5 to 1. Prevention of pregnancy toxaemia will also help to prevent hypocalcaemia as well.

Goat

Tetanus

Tetanus is a highly fatal disease that occurs when spores of Clostridium tetani enter a wound and set up an infection from which a potent neurotoxin is released. Wounds can include those caused by humans when live tissues are injured and blood drawn during hoof trimming. Tetanus can result from any of the following wounds: castration (especially with rubber bands), dehorning or disbudding, parturition or obstetrical procedures, tattooing, hoof trimming, puncture wounds, and dog bites. The organism is sensitive to oxygen, so deep puncture wound are of the most concern.

Signs of illness can include muscle stiffness, unsteady gait, drooping eyelids, changed voice, erect ears and tail and inability to eat or drink. The signs often get progressively worse and convulsions may occur. Death occurs from asphyxiation secondary to respiratory paralysis. Tetanus can only be treated in the very early stages of the disease so prevention is very important. It is best to vaccinate for tetanus with a toxoid two weeks prior to any elective surgeries and then give a booster at the time of surgery. If vaccination is not possible, the use of tetanus antitoxin should provide protection for 10 to 20 days. Antitoxin and toxoid can be given at the same time without any interference.

If signs are apparent, treatment includes high doses of penicillin, anti-inflammatories and tetanus anti-toxin. However, treatment, according to the USDA, is not successful. The initial site of injury and bacterial proliferation should be searched for, and whenever is possible, the wound or infection site should be opened to the air and infiltrated with penicillin.

The area can be infiltrated with tetanus antitoxin before the wound-cleansing process is begun to reduce the chance that more preexisting toxin will be absorbed during tissue manipulation. Excessive tissue manipulation may make the animal dramatically worse.