Dear Dr. Vittoria: I recently got a free goat from Craigslist. I have always wanted pet goats but didn’t know where to start. The price was right, but he looks shabby. What should I know going forward? – Chancing it on the internet
Dear Chancing it: Well, the first thing I would say is maybe next time don’t get a goat from Craigslist. You say the price is right but there is no such thing as a free animal. Many goats have parasites, both internal and external; they need vaccinations, and regular hoof care. You need to make sure the animal is not sick. Reach out to a large-animal vet who treats goats.
Unfortunately, it is a common story to hear about someone going to see an animal advertised and feeling sorry for it since it looks so pathetic. Often you are seeing someone’s neglected animal that they lost interest in. At least they are trying to find it a new and hopefully better home.
Goats need vaccinations just like other animals. They typically get an overeating disease shot called Clostridium type C and D and tetanus. This protects them from a potentially deadly overgrowth of bad bacteria in their intestines if they eat more than they should. You have probably figured out that your goat loves to eat! The other vaccine they need is for rabies. This protects your goat, you and anyone who pets your goat from contracting a fatal disease. A goat that’s vaccinated has a reduced chance of getting rabies. Unfortunately for goats, the vaccine is not labeled for goats. It still provides a level of protection, but the company will not guarantee it.
Most scruffy-looking goats have some type of lice too. Now, you can relax and not run into the shower right away since these are not the same as lice that people get. They like goats but sometimes transfer to horses if they are housed together. If they get on you, they will crawl around for a short while and fall off to find something tastier, like a goat.
The other problem many goats suffer from is internal parasites. We have seen the worst parasite, Haemonchus contortus, (the barber pole worm) suck the blood from a goat and ultimately kill it. They live in the fourth stomach of the goat and embed in its lining. The parasite drinks blood. It really debilitates goats and is resistant to the basic goat dewormers on the market. Please talk to your vet and see about doing a fecal test with appropriate treatment.
Goats are super social and may need a buddy to stay happy. Sometimes this buddy can be abusive so try to find a goat that is around the same size as your first one. And please, try to stay off Craigslist when you are looking. I am sure you will find some goat that needs help. Just be prepared for a few extra vet bills for your free goat.
Christina Vittoria, D.V.M., practices equine, small ruminant, and companion animal medicine at Willow Creek Equine Veterinary Services. Comments offered here are for educational purposes only. Readers should consult their veterinarian before taking action. Have a question for Dr. Vittoria? Send it to country@readingeagle.com. Please put ASK THE VET in the subject line.
