Disorders of the locomotor system in goats and sheep

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 (mainly silage).

Treatment: Antibiotics (penicillin/tetracycline) and fluid support.

Tetanus

Caused by Clostridium tetani through a wound.

Causes generalized muscle stiffness, difficulty opening the mouth, and eventually paralysis.

Treatment: Antitoxin, antibiotics, fluids.

Prevention: Annual vaccination.

Encephalomalacia

Deficiency in vitamin E or selenium. Causes weakness, tremors, difficulty walking, falls.

Treatment: Giving vitamin E and selenium.

Prevention: Mineral supplements in food.

2. Musculoskeletal diseases

Directly affect the ability to move:

White Muscle Disease

Caused by a lack of vitamin E and selenium, especially in lambs and young goats.

Symptoms: weakness, unwillingness to stand, difficulty walking, labored breathing (if damage occurs to the heart muscles).

Treatment: Vitamin E and selenium by injection.

Prevention: Mineral supplements for the mother and young.

Arthritis

Arthritis – can result from infection (e.g. Mycoplasma, Chlamydia) or trauma.

Symptoms: joint swelling, lameness, local fever, decreased appetite.

Treatment: antibiotics, rest, anti-inflammatory therapy.

Lameness

A particularly common phenomenon.

Causes:

Foot injury (stones, thorns)

Hoof rot (foot rot – a bacterial disease)

Joint diseases

Treatment: Cleaning the hooves, local antibiotic treatment, disinfection in a foot bath.

3. Nutritional and metabolic factors

Hypocalcemia (milk fever / calcium deficiency)

Causes weakness, difficulty standing, tremors.

Treatment: Intravenous or subcutaneous calcium administration.

Ketosis

Lack of energy in pregnant or lactating females.

Causes limp gait, weakness, recumbency.

Treatment: Glucose, propylene glycol.

Traumatic or environmental factors

Hoof injuries, broken legs, falls or slips on wet floors.

Improper floor conditions (wetness, high acidity) – increase hoof infections.

*It is always advisable to consult a qualified veterinarian.