To determine what is causing this condition, you need to consult your veterinarian. There are two possible situations that may be occurring. First, it may be a systemic bacterial infection of the lymphatic system called Caseous lymphadenitis (CL). This is common in breeding goats and their kids. The bacterium that causes this condition is Corynebacterium pesudotuberculosis; it infects the animal its entire life. Chronic developing abscesses with “cheesy” pus form in the lymph nodes inside the body and under the skin. Second, it may be associated with fly bites. The mouth parts of the fly can become contaminated with soil bacteria. The bacteria that we commonly see associated with this are the CL bacteria and Staphylococcus bacteria. Abscesses will form on the animal where the flies have bitten them. The only way to determine which type of bacteria is present is to have your veterinarian conduct lab tests on the pus.

Browse related Faqs by tag: goats, goat, meatgoat, dairygoats, dairygoat, goathealth, goatshealth, meatgoathealth, abscesses