Aspirin is a common pain killer all goat keepers must have in their medication guide. Aspirin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It helps to reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain in goats gotten through injuries or joint problems. Aspirin is particularly helpful when goats are about to be banded for castration purposes.
Aside from treating pains and inflammation, goats with fevers and pneumonia can take higher doses of aspirin; worry less about the higher dose because their rumen causes medications to break down quickly. Aspirin for goats is available in different forms, including a chewable tablet or liquid solution.
Administration and Dosage of Aspirin For Goats
Administer Aspirin to the goat when you observe the goat is in pain or distress leading to staggering gait, limping, inflammation, and fever. The recommended dosage of aspirin for goats is 100 mg/kg; that is about 1 – 2 tablets for adult goats and half tablets for kids. To give your goat aspirin, try to crush the tablet and mix it with a bit of water, then drench.
Aspirin should be administered orally every 12 hours and the withdrawal period for meat and milk goats is 2 – 4 days. Proper dosage allows proper treatment. Ensure you do not miss a day when giving your goats aspirin, however, if you miss a day, you should continue the next day till the goat feels better.
Can Pregnant Goats Have Aspirin?
It is not recommended to give Aspirin to pregnant goats. There are lots of risks associated with pregnant goats taking aspirin; Aspirin can increase the risk of abortion, fetal development issues, premature birth, stillbirth, or even prolonged labor. These risks can impair the overall health and well-being of your goat, so it is best you avoid aspirin when your goat is pregnant.
Common Causes of Pain In Goats
Goats like other livestock are very susceptible to pain, they are very active livestock species, and as a result, they can easily get injured or infected, leading to pain and inflammation. Here are some common causes of pain in goats:
- Arthritis is a common cause of pain in goats. Arthritis occurs when there is inflammation of the joints in your goat’s limbs or body; this causes stiffness or soreness when they move around.
- Laminitis: Laminitis is another common cause of pain in goats because it affects their feet specifically. Laminitis is caused by an imbalance between vitamins and minerals within the bloodstream which leads to severe inflammation at the base of each hoof bone (lamellae).
- Hernia: Hernias are one of the most common causes of pain in goats. A hernia occurs when an internal organ pushes through a weak point in the goat’s abdomen or chest wall.
- Broken bones: Broken bones are the major cause of pain in goats because they often result from falls or other accidents that result in impact injuries to the body structure.
Lastly, aspirin is recommended for use by goats in cases where pain relief and fever reduction are necessary. You can get aspirin powder and bolus for $13.25 and $80.59 respectively. Ensure you are buying the right dosage for your goats. Do not forget that aspirin should be given to pregnant does.