However, there are ways you can help your goat if it\u2019s having a seizure. And while the most important thing is always to call your vet out immediately for professional support and treatment, you can take steps to ensure that your goat is as comfortable as possible and stands the best chance of recovery while waiting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What To Do if a Goat has a Seizure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re wondering, \u201cwhat am I supposed to do if a goat has a seizure\u201d you\u2019re likely facing this situation yourself right now. As such, we\u2019ll jump right into it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Try to move the goat to clear space and ensure they are safe.<\/li>
- Keep other goats away<\/li>
- Provide lots of soft bedding<\/li>
- Do not tie the goat up<\/li>
- If your goat is in an area with potential dangers, move them to a safer place.<\/li>
- If your goat has a collar on, remove it.<\/li>
- If you legally can, you may be able to treat the goat. Otherwise, follow your vet’s advice on what to do.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Try to move your goat to a clear space.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Firstly, it\u2019s hugely important to ensure that your goat is somewhere it cannot hurt itself. Goat seizures can be incredibly dramatic, and the goat can potentially be writhing in pain, which will often mean they\u2019re not in control of their body. If your goat is near a wall or in a field with a bank, for example, they could end up hurting themselves incredibly badly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In some cases, they could potentially do irreparable damage or even kill themselves while having a seizure. So, get them away from any dangers immediately. Don\u2019t leave this to chance. You should ensure your goat is in a large enough area so that they can safely kick and thrash without hitting fences, walls, and the like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/herdiac.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/image-16.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nRemove the goat from a pen or move other goats away<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You should ideally also keep other goats away who \u2013 in their infinite compassion \u2013 could try to bully the ill goat while it\u2019s down. Your goat won\u2019t be able to take comfort from its herd members right now anyway, so it\u2019s potentially best to pen them separately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Provide soft bedding in the area<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/herdiac.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/image-19.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nMake sure your goat has plenty of soft bedding to cushion the blows, and do not tie them up. If your goat has a collar, you should also remove this immediately, so there is no chance of them getting caught up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Contact your veterinary expert<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
At this point, if you are legally allowed to keep medicines in stock, you may be able to treat the goat. You should also always follow your vet\u2019s advice on how to treat or prepare the goat for the vet\u2019s arrival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/herdiac.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/image-17.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat Causes Goat Seizures?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
There are many potential causes of goat seizures. Listeriosis and polio encephalitis, or \u201cGoat Polio,\u201d may be the two most well-known examples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Both are very similar conditions and often hard to distinguish from one another, so some people may treat both simultaneously. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, if your goat is at the stage of having seizures already, it\u2019s likely too late for an intramuscular\/subcutaneous injection to work. Of course, the exact medicine will depend on the cause of the seizures. As such, you may need to wait for your vet to arrive to deliver the injections intravenously to ensure it\u2019s immediately in the goat\u2019s bloodstream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to Prevent Goat Seizures<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Preventing goat seizures will vary depending on the cause of the seizure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The best thing you can do with your goats to help prevent possible seizures is ensuring your goat always has a healthy diet and a suitable environment to keep them calm and prevent stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/herdiac.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/image-18.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nNever feed any food or forage that could be moldy, as this increases the risk of diseases such as Goat Polio and Listeriosis (both of which may cause seizures).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finally, look out for any changes in your goat\u2019s behavior that could indicate they are unwell, so they can be treated before seizures start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When to Call the Vet <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Call the vet immediately if you suspect your goat is having a seizure. Seizures are an incredibly bad symptom in most cases, so there\u2019s no time to waste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nAny decisions made based on the information on this site must only be made with full veterinary (or suitable professional) guidance. [Site] takes no responsibility for any damages or losses caused through use of the provided information<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nHow to Care For Your Goat After a Seizure <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
After a seizure, your goat will likely be confused and scared. Depending on the symptoms and cause of the seizure, your goat may also be blind or uncoordinated. As such, you should keep them separate from the main herd until they have fully recovered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/herdiac.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/image-15.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nOffer them water and food by hand to ensure they keep eating and drinking and monitor intake and dehydration levels regularly. You should also provide the goat with a comfortable pen that will allow them to rest and recuperate. Painkillers may also need to be given if the goat experiences prolonged discomfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additional Resources on Goat Seizures <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019d like to learn more about seizures in goats (and have time to!), the following resources can provide a wealth of information:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
https:\/\/www.canr.msu.edu\/sheep_goats\/health\/polioencephalomalacia<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5032865\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/herdiac.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/charlotte-thumbnail.jpeg\")
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