Attention! This is a potentially life-threatening condition for your goat. Time is of the essence, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Bacterial Pneumonia

Caprine Pneumonia

Bacterial pneumonia is a upper respiratory tract infection that often occurs as a secondary complication to an existing respiratory infection. Clinical signs vary from mild to severe, depending on the type of pneumonia, the goat's age, and health status. Goats with weakened immune systems, due to previous infection or due to consumption of mycotoxins, are more susceptible to becoming infected with bacteria, often Pasteurella or Mannheimia.

Because there are many different types of causes of pneumonia, it is important to work with a veterinarian to identify the specific cause in order to determine the most effective treatment.

Symptoms

Fever of 104°F to 106°F (40°C to 41.1°C)
Mucopurulent nasal discharge
Eye discharge
Lethargy
Reduced appetite
Difficulty breathing
Moist, painful cough

Diagnosis

  • History
  • Clinical signs
  • Physical exam
  • Culture
  • Radiography

Treatment Options

Treatment TypeDetails
AntibioticsPenicillin, ampicillin, tetracycline, tylosin, ceftiofur, or florfenicol
Management/Environmental changesOptimize ventilation and decrease humidity to minimize, ideally eliminate any condensation on windows and walls in the barn.
Supplemental vitaminsProvide additional vitamin E and selenium in diet

Prevention

  • Always provide goats with proper ventilation
  • Feed a balanced diet
  • New goats should be isolated from the rest of the herd for at least two weeks prior to making any contact

References

    Risk Factors

    • Poor ventilation
    • Overcrowding
    • Parasitism
    • Malnutrition
    • Recently transported
    • Steroid administration
    • Exposure to dust

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