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FIND A VETERINARIAN NOW

Goats are the step-children of the livestock industry. There are less than two million goats in the USA and the number is decreasing. Few products are made for goats because the market is so small that making the investment back is unlikely, much less earning a profit. For this reason, most medications used to treat goats, whether prescription or over-the-counter, are used "off label" or "extra label." Lack of government approval does not mean that such products are dangerous or ineffective. It simply means that the companies making the products have not spent the large sums of money needed to do the testing and paperwork required to obtain approval because they aren't likely to make money in such a small market.

Just as there are few products approved for goats, so are there few vets who know much about them. In most veterinarian schools, students get very little training on small ruminant health. Since I started raising goats in January 1990, I've found only two vets who have serious knowledge of goats, many who know virtually nothing about goats, and quite a few who want nothing to do with what they consider a junk species. I learned the importance of cultivating a relationship with a vet who either knows something about goats or is willing to learn. Sometimes the goat raiser knows more about goats than the vet, having had more experience with them, and they can work together for their mutual benefit.

Many people who raise goats do not use vet services. If they do, they are likely to be show-goat folks who are willing to spend money on expensive animals. Many people either can't afford vet services or think they can do without them. If they are raising commercial goats, it is vital to learn to do everything possible themselves to save money.

If you can't find a vet knowledgeable about goats, you still need veterinary relationship to be able to buy the medications that you need to keep your goats healthy. The most effective medications for serious illnesses are available only by prescription, and the Government is putting more drugs under prescription-only requirements.

An excellent source of non-prescription medications and supplies: Jeffers. 1-800-533-3377. www.jefferslivestock.com. I highly recommend purchasing from this fine family-owned company. I've been a Jeffers customer since the early 1990's. There are lots of supplies you need to have on hand that are not prescription items that Jeffers carries.

For prescription medications and veterinary care, you need to establish a vet relationship before you need help. You likely won't be able to access a vet when you need emergency veterinary care. I promise you that your goat health emergency is going to happen on a holiday weekend in the middle of the night in horrible weather and your goat may die because you weren't prepared. Get the veterinary part of your goat-raising operation resolved and in place now. A good vet, Jeffers, and you can be a powerful team.

Suzanne W. Gasparotto, Onion Creek Ranch, Texas 8/6/17