Temperature Signs

[ Up ] [ Physical/Skin ] [ Respiratory Signs ] [ Diarrhea Signs ] [ Temperature Signs ] [ Diseases & Conditions ] [ Medication ] [ Poisonous Plants ] [ Symptoms ] [ Lessons Learned ]

The normal body temperature of goats is usually reported in the range of 101.5 to 103.5 F. Goats of lighter body weight are more likely to have higher temperatures than larger one when exposed to sun. To accurately assess the state of the goat, it is useful to record body temperatures in apparently normal herd mates of the same size. The temperature is taken with a rectal thermometer for approx. 3 minutes. 

Warning...A temperature of 106 F for an extended time with bucks can cause sterilization.

A higher than normal temperature in a goat is generally a sign of infection.  Not all infections are treated with the same type of antibiotic. Respiratory infections are associated with gram-positive bacteria while some of the other infections are associated with gram-negative bacteria. One of the biggest mistakes made is using the wrong medicine or not using the correct one long enough to completely kill the infection. This causes the bacteria to build up resistance to the antibiotic. 

Our vet has recommended that we never give penicillin into the muscle. Only under the skin. For severe infections, a vet may be required to give a prescription-only type of antibiotic.

There are several things to look for in order to identify the source of the infection.

  1. Look for any external cuts or swelling. Your animal may have been cut or scratched that got infected. It may not be obvious. We had a doe cut her bag and get infected. It was not easily visible.
  2. Look for limping or tenderness. Our doe with an infected bag was identified by a limping in her back legs. We have also seen goats limping because of an internal infection of a joint which caused the leg to be extremely tender. Pregnancy Toxemia will also cause a doe to limp but this is not an infection. 
  3. Look for signs of respiratory problems. Colds or pneumonia will cause a high temperature.

Additional Material

Jack Mauldin's Boer Goat Home Page