Constipation In Goat Kids/Newborns

By Deb Haines

Facebook goat groups and throughout the web can be very beneficial, but you must be very careful in what you read, because it is stated does not mean it is true or that you should do the treatment.

The subject of constipation is discussed almost daily during the past few years for goat kids throughout the internet . It has become a treatment that many on Facebook groups suggest for new goat owners to do as a routine treatment for newborns goat kids that act a liitle off ,It’s right up there with BoSe and nutri-drench for newborns. Constipation is just not a typical thing in goats.

Ever notice it is bottle babies that seem to have so many problems? Learn why

A major obstacle to newborn kids survival is hypothermia/hypoglycemia and infectious diseases due to delayed or an inadequate intake of a colostrum. Failure of Inexperienced owners may assume that the animals are constipated and medicate goats inappropriately rather than seeking veterinary attention.

Many think that if a goat kid is not eating then it is constipated. learn the signs of cold or hungry or both.

The difference between a hypothermic ( cold) kid and a hungry one is clear. Hypothermic kids are inactive, the inside of the mouth is cool and its rectal temperature will be under 100 degrees. If they are NOT warmed, they will die.

A hungry kid is usually a crying kid who makes frequent nursing attempts. Extemely hungry kids can become hypothermic and eventuallly starve. It is very important to monitor their food intake.

Some kids need help to get off to a good start. Each one deserves your finest efforts to save and nurture it to eventually become a productive herd member. Time is of the essence in identifying a kid who needs a quick jump start or extra help. As soon as trouble is spotted, the cause must be determined and treatment started. learn how to spot a cold, hungry, weak kid.

Learn the facts…

Many goat owners especially those new to goats learn fairly quickly off the web that if a goat kid or adult stands hunched or tail down they must be constipated. This is FALSE information.

“Hunched up with tail down” is the classic posture that means a kid is unhappy and could be suffering from a disease or is simply cold or hungry. It does not mean the goat is constipated..

Changing brands, formulas, quantity, or temperature can cause digestive upsets. Pay attention to consistency of the feces.Overfeeding milk can cause diarrhea (scours) in young kids. When a kid is getting too much milk, it is likely to refuse to start drinking water and eating hay. Excessive milk consumption can be a factor in enterotoxemia (overeating disease). All above can cause a kid to hunch up and tail down..Don’t run for the enema !

Questions and Answers

What is constipation?

Ken Brown Dvm …..you need proof of constipation – until are sure have enough in and of a decent quality, there will be little out.

1. verify there is proper intake

2. then worry about output

Constipation is uncommon in goats

Now we can talk about “why does an animal defecate?” – as in, what does trigger defecation? input -= eating something. this will trigger a peristalsis to clear the pipes, so to speak in the case of ruminants, it is a a cycle of finely chopped and watery material going from rumen to omasum, to abomasum and then down the pike (abomasum alone for kids) , it is movement of digestion that triggers defecating. so when get enough in, there will be defecation out – and it takes about a day to make a complete transit from in to out (many variables there)

So let’s talk about babies for a bit … if a newborn up to a day or so old, then there may be impacted/dried meconium and constipation, but what about older kids?

What is constipation? dried feces. too little liquid in the colon or too much liquid absorbed from the feces

Think it is easy for a kid, properly eating and absorbing a quality milk replacer, to become constipated? The replacer has a load of water in it, fats, protein, carbs, and some fiber to move things along. natural goat milk is the same – not too common to get constipated,possible, but not common.

Can goat kids become constipated ?

Ken Brown Dvm.……Sometimes, infrequent poop makes people think a kid is constipated – a rare problem in goats, actually little in = little out. Some replacers made at home are low in protein and fats, so have less feces produces. a commercial product such as Manna Pro Kid Milk is a decent replacer to try If a kid does happen to become constipated,it is usually due to dietary changes.

Can over feeding cause constipation?

Ken Brown Dvm….Feeding way to much at one time can be a problem – cause bloat, scours or constipation.

I was told by friend to give enemas, after 3 enemas no change, whats wrong ?

Sandra Baxendell.…… Make sure you are giving enough milk. Constipation is rare underfeeding and therefore lack of poop droppings is common.

If you have made sure you do not have a cold kid, a hungry kid or a illness and have fed correctly and feel a goat kid is constipated then try a enema.

How to make a enema

These kids should have a small warm water enema to help them pass the impacted stool. warm water enema … figure 20cc as a start and see what you get. Often with a drop or two of Dawn dish soap added. DO NOT use a human fleet enema.