What To Do When You Have a Lame Goat: Hoof & Leg Problems

Laminitis is a condition of the goat’s hoof when the tissue inside the hoof swells, leading to inflammation. As it walks around, the swelled part is pushed against the inner hoof wall causing pain and often making the goat grind it’s teeth. If not checked, it can aggravate the founder, leading to deformities in the hoof. 

Treatment for Laminitis

If your goat has laminitis, you must ease their discomfort and pain with an anti-inflammatory such as Meloxicam. Your vet will need to prescribe antibiotics to eradicate the infection. Clean the goat’s hoof with a wet rag and remove any mud or debris. Be gentle, as the area may be very tender and painful. 

Calm your goat down and soak their hooves in an ice bath or spray them down with cold water to ease the pain. Add a copper sulfate solution to the water and ensure it gets between their toes. This will help clean the area as well as toughen the skin. Rubbing cinnamon or sage oil on the area also relieves the pain.

Prevention is always better than cure, so ensure your goats are vaccinated regularly and have regular checkups. Keep their living area clean and dry, and avoid leaving them to stand in damp hay.