Pregnancy Toxemia in Goats: Signs, Prevention and Treatment

Pregnancy toxemia - also called ketosis or pregnancy disease - is one of the most serious problems of late gestation. Caught early it is manageable; ignored it can be fatal for the doe and her kids. Knowing the signs can save a life.

This article is educational only. Pregnancy toxemia is an emergency - if you suspect it, call your veterinarian immediately.

What is pregnancy toxemia?

In the last six weeks the kids grow fast and demand huge amounts of energy. If the doe cannot eat enough to keep up - because multiples crowd her rumen, or feed is poor, or she is too fat or too thin - her body burns fat for fuel and floods with ketones. Does carrying twins or triplets are at highest risk.

Early signs to watch for

• Going off feed, especially refusing grain
• Dullness, lagging behind the herd, isolating
• A sweet, fruity smell on the breath (ketones)
• Teeth grinding, star-gazing, wobbliness
• Later: unable to stand, then down and unresponsive

How to prevent it

• Keep the doe at a healthy body condition - not fat, not thin - through pregnancy.
• Increase energy gradually in the last six weeks; never make sudden feed changes.
• Offer smaller, more frequent meals as rumen space shrinks.
• Provide quality forage and clean water at all times.

Our full pregnant goat care guide covers trimester feeding in detail.

Treatment

Early cases often respond to an energy source such as propylene glycol or oral drenches, plus tempting the doe to eat. Advanced cases need veterinary care - IV fluids, and sometimes an emergency C-section or induced kidding, because removing the kids removes the energy drain. Do not wait: a doe that is down needs a vet now. For clinical detail, see the Merck Veterinary Manual.