When treating goats against bacterial disease, antibiotic penicillin is most commonly administered in the same way as for humans. It is primarily administered through an injection, but you can also give a goat penicillin orally. Penicillin kills susceptible bacteria in goats by disrupting their cell walls and by preventing the bacteria to reproduce.
Bacterial infections can cause a series of symptoms. A bacterial infection might be the reason why a goat sneezes.
Can you give penicillin to a goat?
Penicillin is a safe antibiotic for goats. But the age of goats or penicillin overdose may cause toxic effects. Most goats treated with Penicillin show a noticeable improvement within 24 to 48 hours of administration.
How do you give a goat penicillin?
The method of penicillin administration is usually a matter for the prescribing vet to determine. Other factors that impact the method of penicillin administration include the handling facilities available and the risk of stress for the goat.
Penicillin antibiotic is generally given by injection. Some types of penicillin can be injected into a vein while others must be injected into a muscle, under the skin. A thoroughly cleaned and sterile needle and syringe should be used to give penicillin injection to a goat.
An oral form of penicillin is available but is rarely prescribed. Oral administration of penicillin in goats can include by bolus, tablet, or as a powder or solution in feed or drinking water.
How much penicillin do you give a goat?
The daily dose of penicillin for goats is 3,000 units per pound of body weight, or 1 mL per 100 lbs body weight.
Give penicillin medication for as long as prescribed by your vet, even if it appears the goat is feeling better. This will help to ensure that the infection is all cleared up in your goat.
Penicillin treatment should not exceed 7 days in non-lactating goats or 5 days in lactating goats. If no improvement is observed in goats within 48 hours, consult your vet.
What are the symptoms of overdose?
A large oral overdose of penicillin may cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhoea, and rarely, major motor seizures in goats. The mild symptoms include an allergic reaction.
What are the potential side effects of penicillin?
Penicillin may cause an upset stomach, vomiting, cough, and diarrhea. These common symptoms usually go away during treatment. If these symptoms continue, contact your vet.
Sensitivity reactions to penicillin such as hives, rash, fever, puffiness and swelling around the face, and respiratory distress, may occur in some goats. If you observe signs of sensitivity occur, stop the medication and call your vet. If the respiratory distress is severe, immediate injection of epinephrine or antihistamine might be required. You should contact your veterinarian immediately if your goat displays any side effects after taking penicillin for the first time.
A small percentage of goats are allergic to penicillin, which can cause some of the side effects listed above.
What if I miss giving a penicillin dose?
Give the penicillin dose as soon as possible and give the next dose as scheduled. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the goat two doses of penicillin at once.
How to take care of a sick goat?
Thd antibiotics are given for the management of diseases. The use of penicillin antibiotics for goats is based on an accurate diagnosis and an adequate course of treatment. Many diseases in goats have similar symptoms but require different types of treatment. The use of professional veterinary and laboratory services can reduce treatment time, vet bills, and losses.
Good housing, hygienic conditions, and healthy nutrition are important in the maintenance of healthy goats. These factors are equally essential in the treatment of disease in goats. If you need advice on how to maintain your goat house, you should check out my article on the best floor for goat house.
Sick goats need more water and energy than healthy goats but they have a low appetite. Encourage your goat’s appetite with small meals, moist feed, or adding molasses or salt to make it more tasty. Fresh green leaves provide a good source of vitamins to goats.
Stress is another common medical issue in goats. Stress can cause a goat’s immune system to become compromised. A stressed goat might start to grind their teeth.
Speak to your vet if you have any questions.
