Common eye conditions in sheep and goats 1) Keratitis – inflammation of the cornea What you see:    •   White/blue cloudiness of the cornea    •   Sensitivity to light    •   Lacrimation    •  Sometimes fine blood vessels penetrate the cornea Common causes: Injury, foreign body, bacterial infection, or virus (mainly IBR-like in goats). 2) Corneal Ulcer What you see:    •   White/gray spot on the cornea    •   Closed eye    •   Significant pain    •   May progress quickly and

Common Conjunctival Conditions in Young Sheep and Goats 1) Conjunctivitis – Bacterial Common Causes:    •  Mycoplasma conjunctivae – a major cause in herds    •  Chlamydophila pecorum    •  Moraxella bacteria (less common than in cattle) Signs:    •  Redness of the conjunctiva   •  Profuse tearing    •  Swelling of the eyelids   •  Sensitivity to light (photophobia)   •  Small blisters may appear on the conjunctiva Treatment:    •   Ophthalmic antibiotics (tetracycline)    • 

Eyelid and Conjunctival Disorders in Young Sheep and Goats The eye of a sheep/goat is very susceptible to infections, irritations and parasites. At a young age the immune system is weaker and therefore problems are more common. 1) Conjunctivitis Common causes    •  Bacteria – Chlamydia pecorum, Mycoplasma spp., Moraxella ovis    •  Viruses – usually as part of a respiratory illness    •  Environmental irritation – dust, strong wind, ammonia in the barn    •  Trauma – scratche

1) Infectious Keratoconjunctivitis (Pinkie Pie) The most common cause. Causes:    •  Mycoplasma conjunctivae    •  Chlamydophila pecorum    •   Sometimes Moraxella or other Mycoplasma bacteria Signs:    •  Very watery eyes    •  Redness of the conjunctiva    •  Light sensitivity (photophobia)    •  Corneal cloudiness    •  Calf/lamb standing with eye half-closed    •  Sometimes bulging adhesions Treatment:    •   Topical antibiotics: drops/ointment containing tetracycline    

Spinal Cord Problems in Sheep and Goats Diseases and injuries to the spinal cord are more common than you might think, and can cause paralysis, weakness, difficulty walking, and changes in posture. 1. Trauma and external injuries Causes:    •   Kicking between animals    •   Falls    •   Injuries from pressure or trampling    •   Entanglement in fences Signs:    •  Sudden posterior paralysis    •  Inability to stand    •  Severe pain in the spine    •  Poor or absent reflexes

Cranial nerve disorders in sheep and goats are most often caused by infectious diseases, trauma, toxicity, or nutritional problems. The damage can be to a single nerve or to multiple nerves together. 1. Infectious diseases that cause damage to the cranial nerves A. Listeriosis (Listeria monocytogenes) – most common •   Infection of the brainstem → damage to nerves III–XII. •   Typical signs: •   Head tilt (torticollis) •  Facial paralysis (nerve VII) – drooping ear, open eye

Intracranial lesions in sheep and goats The term “intracranial lesions” refers to any injury, inflammatory process, mass, or damage located within the skull—that is, in the brain, meninges, or cerebral blood vessels. These lesions often cause significant neurological disorders due to pressure on sensitive tissues or direct impairment of their function. Types of Central Intracranial Lesions 1) Brain Infections and Infections (Encephalitis / Meningitis) Those that cause the for

1. Clostridial encephalitis (Clostridium perfringens Type D) What is it: A toxin that damages the brain, most common in lambs and kids with a sharp increase in food intake. Symptoms: Unsteady gait Tremors Twitches Seizures Rapid death Prevention: Clostridia vaccine (Abisol/Clostridium 7–8 WAY) Gradual transition to a rich food 2. Listeriosis (Listeria monocytogenes) – inflammation of the brain and brainstem More common in adults but also occurs in young people. Typical sympto

Neurological disorders in sheep and goats (neurological = of the nervous system) are a broad group of diseases and injuries that affect the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves or muscles. They can cause changes in behavior, gait, balance and response to stimuli. Here is an overview of the main disorders: 1. Listeriosis Cause: Listeria monocytogenes. Main cause: Consumption of spoiled feed (usually too acidic silage). Clinical signs: Turning the head to one side, walking in

Foot disorders in sheep and goats are very common problems, especially in herds that graze in wet, muddy or heavily soiled conditions. They can cause lameness, pain, decreased appetite, reduced milk yield and fertility. Here is a quick overview of the main disorders: 1. Foot Rot (Fusiformis necrophorum + Dichelobacter nodosus) Cause: Anaerobic bacteria. Favorable conditions: dampness, mud, poor hygiene, injuries to the hoof. Clinical signs: Pungent odor and rot in the hoof De

Bone Disorders 1. Rickets and Osteomalacia Caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphorus. In young lambs and kids, rickets occurs: soft bones, bowed legs, lameness, and growth retardation. In adults — osteomalacia: brittle bones, weakness, and sometimes deformity of the pelvic bones and vertebrae. 2. Fractures Result from trauma — falls, running over, or assault. Seems like sudden lameness, swelling, pain, and sometimes abnormal movement of the limb. 3. Osteomye

General Background The musculoskeletal system (skeletal-musculoskeletal-joints-tendons) may also be affected by skin diseases, when skin lesions cause pain, inflammation, or damage to supporting areas such as hooves, joints, or connective tissues. Main examples of skin disorders: 1. Foot rot Cause: Bacteria Dichelobacter nodosus and Fusobacterium necrophorum. Course of the disease: The bacteria damage the skin between the toes; inflammation, bad odor, soft tissue and severe p

Disorders of the locomotor system in goats and sheep (small ruminants) can result from a variety of causes—neurological, muscular, skeletal, or nutritional. Here is a neat and clear overview: Movement system disorders in goats and sheep 1. Neurological diseases (nerves and brain) Impair coordination and movement ability: Listeriosis Caused by Listeria monocytogenes. Causes head tilt, walking in circles, imbalance, paralysis of one side of the face. Source: Spoiled feed (main

The mammary gland (udder) of the female in sheep, goats and cattle is susceptible to various diseases, mainly infections, which can affect milk production and the health of the animal. The following is an overview of the main diseases and disorders of the female mammary gland: 1. Mastitis The most common and important disease. Causes: Bacteria (mainly Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, E. coli), sometimes also fungi. Main forms: Acute mastitis: The udder is swol

1. Diseases and Disorders During Pregnancy A. Pregnancy Toxemia Cause: Lack of energy in the last weeks of pregnancy, especially in females with twins/triplets. Signs: Weakness, lack of appetite, excessive lying down, tremors, and sometimes standing. Prevention: High-energy diet in the last trimester of pregnancy, especially with added grains. Treatment: Administration of glucose or propylene glycol, sugar infusion, and sometimes induction of labor. B. Hypocalcemia (Milk Feve

1. Uterine inflammation (Metritis / Endometritis / Pyometra)  Cause: Bacteria (E. coli, Brucella, Trueperella), difficult births, placenta retained in the tissues. Symptoms: Inactivity, fever, vaginal discharge, repeated delay in pregnancy. Treatment/Prevention: Antibiotics, supportive care, maintaining hygiene during childbirth and preventing difficult births. 2. Oophoritis / Cystic Ovaries Cause: Hormonal imbalance, stress, poor nutrition. Symptoms: Infertility, changes in

We will separate reproductive diseases and disorders from non-reproductive disorders in males in sheep and goats. You asked for emphasis...

Disorders and diseases of the penis and foreskin in goats and sheep 1. Urinary tract stones (urolithiasis) One of the most common...

Common diseases and disorders of the scrotum and its contents (testicles, epididymis, spermatic cord) in male sheep and goats: Diseases...

Urinary tract disorders in goats and sheep are not uncommon veterinary problems, especially in males (especially castrated males), due to...