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DIARRHEAL DISEASES by Terry C. Gerros, DVM,MS,DACVIM

Both infectious and noninfectious causes of diarrhea exist. Infectious diarrhea in goats is primarily due to bacteria (Escherucgua coli, Salmonella sp.) and parasites (coccidia and intestinal parasites). Clostridium sp. are associated with diarrhea, however, the are covered elsewhere in this chapter. Bacterial agents are more commonly associated in newborns through 4 weeks of age. Parasite related diarrheas are usually seen in goats 4-12 weeks of age. Noninfectious diarrheas (generally nutritionally related) are generally found in goats over 12 weeks of age. Certainly these age ranges are flexible.

Escherichia coli diarrhea has three forms: septicemia, endotoxic, enteric. The enteric form is the least severe and is characterized by feces which may vary from a pasty consistency to a profuse watery, malodorous, bloody tinged diarrhea. With this form, appetite wants and abdominal distention occurs. While many of the kids may not be systemically ill and recover rapidly, if they become completely anorexic and dehydrated, they can become critically ill. The septicemic and endotoxic forms are usually preacute, rather may develop clinical signs and die within a matter of hours. Diarrhea is generally not seen in these two forms, rather the animals become depressed, weak, and show signs of bloat. Colic may also be seen. Kids with the septicemic form may survive for longer periods of time, where those with the endotoxic form generally die within hours. Kids with the septicemic form usually have not received adequate colostrum after birth. If they survive for a period longer then a week, the bacteria may localize to the joints (infectious arthritis), brain, eyes or lungs.

The most important factor determining the survival rate of E. Coli infections is whether or not the kid received adequate colostrum. Antibiotics are generally little help to those which were colostrum deprived. Fluid and electrolyte therapy is also essential and should be the back bone of treatment.

Although less common, Salmonella infections in goats can result in a high death rate. This bacteria is excreted in feces, uterine fluid, milk, therefore a kid may become infected in utero as well as when it nurses. As with E. Coli diarrhea, several syndromes are documented. The clinical signs include profuse, watery diarrhea which unless treated results in dehydration, lethargy and death within 1-2 days. Unlike E. Coli diarrhea, these animals develop a very high fever (>106F). Young animals do not commonly survive this disease. This disease can also appear very similar to coccidiosis, therefore a necropsy examination should be performed on the animals which succumbs a diarrheal condition. Since Salmonella sp. is important to determine cause of diarrhea.

Noninfectious causes of diarrhea include overfeeding in kids, simple indigestion, acute grain overload, cooper deficiency and toxins (arsenic and organophosphates). Quite a number of plant intoxications have been documented as causing diarrhea in goats. A few of these include oleander, spurge, crab apple, and coffee senna. Goats are considered to be resistant to toxic effects of oak ingestion and are often used to clear oak from pastures to allow grazing by cattle and sheep. However, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis with bloody diarrhea caused by oak ingestion has been reported in goats, thus resistance to oak toxicity can not be considered absolute.

Nutritional causes of diarrhea in young kids are often associated with husbandry and feeding practices. Problems identified include overfeeding of milk, use of poor quality milk replacers, sudden changes in feeding routine and switching to cow milk replacers. Incorrect mixing and dispensing of milk replacer by a malfunctioning automatic feeder has also been reported. These situations may produce noninfectious diarrhea, or predispose to the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria in the abomasum rumen or intestine.

• High energy grain rations
• Lush pasture
• Grain Overload
  

With diarrheal disease, regardless of the cause, it is essential that the animal remain well hydrated. This can be accomplished with the use of oral fluids and electrolytes or in severe cases, may require fluids be administered intravenously. Fluid therapy is the foundation for treatment of diarrhea, consult your veterinarian for home recipes that you may keep in stock for such situations.

The clinical signs vary with the etiology. The most severe form of nutritionally related diarrhea would be that associated with grain overload. Within 1-3 days after engorgement, the affected animals develop inappetence, depression and weakness. Body temperatures remain normal or slightly elevated. The animals usually have elevated heart and respiratory rates. As the disease progresses, mucoid diarrhea and colic signs begin. The rumen becomes non motile and mild bloat may develop. Initially the rumen contents may be firm, but as the disease progresses, the rumen becomes fluid filled as the rumen contents acts to pull water from the body. This is reflected by signs of dehydration ( sunken eyes, increased skin tenting, hemoconcentration). The animal may act blind and be uncoordinated (indicating polioencephalomalacia). Rumen pH may fall below 5. A pH level in the normal range (5-7) does not rule out acidosis because absorption of acid, passage of ingesta to the abomasum, and flow of saliva will cause increase of the pH level if the goat survives long enough. If you look at the rumen microorganisms under a microscope, you will notice the lack of living protozoa.

Treatment of grain overload involves the use of oral antacids (MgOH), intravenous NaHCO3, (will raise the pH and the rumen towards normal), oral antibiotics (tetracycline, single dose 0.5 to 1 gram), thiamine (vitamin B1) and transfaunation (rumen contents obtained from a healthy individual and placed into the rumen of the affected goat). Brewer's yeast would be an alternative if transfuanate is unavailable. Other considerations include use of calcium and antihistamines.

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