Getting Your Pet Boer Goat's Temperature

Measuring the temperature of your goat becomes a necessity sometimes especially when it is not behaving the way it should. The normal temperature range of Boer goats is from 101F to 103F during winters and spring. However this doesn't hold true in summers. The temperature may touch 104F in summers especially when the goat has been outside in the sun for long. It usually drops down to the normal range once the goat moves away from the sunlight. So measure the temperature of your goat if you think there is something wrong with it. Veterinarians usually ask whether you have measured your goat's temperature or not when you take it to the clinic.

It is not very difficult to measure the goat's temperature. The thermometers are easily available in market and they are also reasonable priced at a rate of $3-$6. Two types of thermometers are available- the glass and the digital thermometers. A loop is present on the external surface of the glass thermometers. This can be used for fixing strings. To measure the temperature, make the baby goats lay on your lap. You should then slowly insert the thermometer in their rectum. However before inserting, make sure that it is properly lubricated with petroleum jelly or oil. The thermometer should not be moved from its place for two minutes and the temperature should then be recorded. The digital one will give away a beep when the recording process is over.

You cannot put an adult goat in your lap and for measuring its temperature, you need assistance. Ask someone to hold up the goat for you. It should not move from the standing or reclining position (whichever you prefer). The temperature can then be recorded using the thermometer. But all goats are not easy to handle. Some of them may not allow you to record their temperature. In such a case, you can tie them up using a rope.

Veterinarians prescribe different medicines for different medical conditions. Banamine is an injection that is usually prescribed by the doctors when the goat is having very high fever. Crushing the aspirin and dissolving it in water can bring down the temperate in baby goats. They do not prefer dry capsules and crushed aspirin is thus ideal for them. Your goat can have fever due to various reasons. One of the commonest causes of fever in goats is respiratory ailments. In such cases, you must get your goat properly treated for the infection too. The antibiotics which are commonly used in respiratory infections are penicillin and oxytetracycline. Veterinarians prescribe some costly medicines like Nuflor in case the infection doesn't subside with the regular antibiotics. Do not give medicines on your own. You must consult an experienced veterinarian for the right type and dosage of the medicine.

Your goat can suffer from various health problems if the high fever doesn't subside. Dehydration is one common problem associated with fever, which can drain the body of water and important electrolytes. In such a case, you need to give plenty of fluids to your goat. Electrolytes are required for proper functioning of the muscles and adequate blood flow. Kid goats should not be milked when they are suffering from fever.

Protecting the thermometer

You need to take proper care of the goat's thermometer. It should be cleaned thoroughly with alcohol after the temperature has been recorded. You should then put it in its cover. It should be stored at normal temperature. Never use unclean thermometers. A thermometer meant for your goat should not be used for recording doe's temperature. Shake the glass thermometer well before use!