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

Tetanus

Lockjaw

Tetanus is an acute, usually fatal, disease caused by a highly potent neurotoxin produced by the Clostridium tetani bacterium. C. tetani spores are found in soil and manure worldwide. C. tetani enters the goat's body through a puncture wound, which leads to uncontrollable muscle contractions and spasms. The spores accumulate in the soil, particularly where cattle were kept. Goats living in the same area as cattle are at increased risk of the disease.