Acidosis is also known as toxic indigestion. It occurs when a high proportion of concentrate is fed in the ration.
Symptoms: The symptoms include depression, hanging of the head, separation from the herd, showing a drunken behavior, muscle twitching, bloating, swelling on the left flank and possible grinding of the teeth. In severe cases, this is a life-threatening condition. Severe overloading of the rumen is accompanied by a systemic and often fatal acidosis. Rumen motility ceases and the contents are initially firm; mild bloat may be present. Constipation followed by diarrhea, muscle tremors, teeth grinding, groaning, increased heart and respiratory rates, and a fever may be noted. This is a life-threatening condition.
Treatment: Treatment includes stopping access to food. Drench goat with something alkaline such as 2-3 ounces of sodium bicarbonate which will help neutralize acid. Preferable treatment for neutralization of acid is magnesium hydroxide or magnesium oxide. Walk the goat if possible. Increase consumption of fiber such as grass hay -- not alfalfa -- and give moderate amounts of water. Avoid free access to water as it will promote bloating due to the hyperosmolality in rumen. Medicate with antibiotics to restrict enterotoxemia. Thiamin intervention is recommended as polioencephalomalacia is a potential sequelae.
Control/Prevention: Control consists of gradual introduction of goats to grain. If goats are being fed a high-concentrate diet, distribute grain over three or more meals per day, at 2-3 pounds per meal. Feed whole corn instead of finely ground grain and dry grain instead of wet. Feed roughage before grain, first thing in the morning. Supplement with bicarbonate of soda or calcium carbonate and magnesium
If goat is showing signs of clinical disease, a veterinarian should be called to administer proper treatment.
Keywords: acidosis, toxic, alkaline, grain
For additional information on gastrointestinal diseases please click: http://www.extension.org/pages/23823/goat-gastrointestinal-diseases
Reference: Mary C.Smith & David Sherman: Goat Medicine, "Indigestion and Rumen Acidosis".
