Goat First Aid Kit

Updated March 2016

A first aid kit for goats can be a real lifesaver. Generally, I divide first aid supplies into 2 categories – those that are for critical life-saving intervention where seconds count, and those that you have time to go to the store and purchase (although they should be kept on hand if possible)

Your goat can die within seconds or minutes from just a few things. Severe blood loss, shock, snake bite, allergic reaction or poisoning. (Previous post on rhododendron poisoning)

Critical life-saving supplies:
My favorite liquid trace minerals and/or blood stop powder
My favorite prebiotic
activated charcoal
Montmorrillonite clay
homeopathic Nux Vomica 30C
Rubber tubing of the appropriate diameter and length to insert in the nostril/nasal cavity in case of snake bite to the nose
epinephrine if you give your own shots (consult with your veterinarian for supply and dosage)

National Animal Poison Control Center Numbers

1-900-680-0000 $20 for the first 5 minutes, then $2.95/minute after. Charged to your phone bill
OR
1-800-548-2423 $30.00 per case, (bills to your VISA, Mastercard, Discover or American Express only)
The 800 number cost includes follow-up calls and will consult with your veterinarian.

Other first aid kit ingredients:
There are many good online sources of first aid kit ingredient lists and complete kits.
http://www.goatworld.com/articles/health/firstaidkit.shtml
http://www.tennesseemeatgoats.com/articles2/supplies.html
http://www.napga.org/downloads/firstaid.pdf
All of these lists and kits are based on conventional western medicine.

Also check out my favorite Topical Aid Kit.

A good homeopathic first aid kit can be very handy as well. Dr Edgar Sheaffer is a highly regarded vet specializing in homeopathy. He offers a complete 40 remedy farm kit http://www.clarkvetclinic.com/products.html There are a few key remedies that should be kept on hand, if you opt not to purchase an entire farm kit. See my personal list below.

My personal first aid kit:
Everything listed on the critical supplies list above
My favorite wound salve, my favorite balm, oral flower essence blend for fear & stress, topical flower essence blend, oral flower essence blend for high spirits without fear , chelated colloidal silver, tea tree oil,
basic wound cleaning and bandaging supplies
thermometer
stethescope
surgical scissors, syringes, needles
alcohol, peroxide
Rescue Remedy
Basic homeopathic remedies in 30C potency: Nux Vomica, Arnica, Hypericum, Ledum, Thuja, Urtica

Also learn how to do basic TTouch ear work for animals in shock. Start at the base of the ear, cup your hand around the ear to fold the ear on itself with your fingers on one side and thumb on the other, and slide along the length of the ear. When you reach the tip, rub it between your thumb and fingers to activate the shock point. Keep repeating the slide and the rub of the tip. You can also make circles or rub around the base of the ear, where it joins the head, to activate the acupuncture point for digestion and respiration.

I practice good preventative nutrition and find I very rarely need anything from my first aid kit or a visit from the vet. Prevention is always better and less expensive than treatment.

Finally, a gun and a very sharp knife. May you never need either. In the horrible situation of a totally stuck kid or a rupture or other terminal situation, no vet available, and mom suffering, have the supplies you need to put her down humanely and to retrieve the kid(s). Always attempt to get a vet first. Always. And there may come a time when the worst happens and you are faced with a dying mom and dying kids. Read this article and visit this Pinterest board BEFORE you need it , and save both links somewhere handy.

If you have any questions about first aid kit ingredients, please feel free to contact me.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration or American Veterinary Medical Association, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult your veterinarian about any changes to your animal’s health program.