Goat Enterotoxemia; (Overeating Disease, Pulpy Kidney Disease)

This is an important syndrome affecting young goats on concentrate feeds. Grain- fed kids on a high-concentrate diet are most susceptible, but adults may also be affected. Goats are commonly affected with a hemorhagic form of enterotoxemia. The toxin is produced by Clostridium perfringens type D bacteria when the animal's diet provides optimum conditions for the growth of the type D bacteria in the intestine.

Symptoms: Sudden loss of appetite; depression and a drunken appearance; as it progresses,the animal becomes unable to stand and lies on its side, making paddling movements; high temperature; watery, bloody diarrhea. Sick goats are usually those in good condition. Within a few hours of death, the urine will have a high glucose concentration, and the kidneys become soft and pulpy. Other lesions will include fluid in the lungs and heart sac and multiple hemorrhages on internal surfaces.

Treatment: The prognosis for recovery is guarded in goat enterotoxemia even with treatment. Fluid therapy providing mixed electrolyte solution with bicarbonate is indicated in acute cases to counter shock, dehydration and acidosis. Antibiotic therapy may be helpful in reducing bacterial growth. Oral sulfas have been used with some success.

Prevention: Commercially available type C and D toxoid vaccine/antitoxin should be administered in an outbreak. Vaccination of kids should be done at 3 and 6 weeks of age and repeated before starting on concentrate feeds.

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