FAQ / Life on Pern / Craft Information / Beastcraft / Details of Anim... / Caprine
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Last updated 22nd July 2005 by Bree
Health Care and Health Problems of Caprines
Maintenance
Caprines are relatively easy to take care of, and sanitary housing, good quality pasture, nutritious food and plenty of sunshine will greatly help to reduce health problems. Caprines need their hooves trimmed every 4-6 sevendays. This is very important as neglect can lead to lameness and infection. Hoof trimming is a simple procedure which a Beastcrafter can teach you.
During daily contact with caprines, always be on the lookout for any physical or behavioral changes. Symptoms indicating illness include loss of appetite, limping, listlessness, labored breathing, diarrhea, discharge from eyes or nose, or abnormal body temperature. If any of these symptoms occur, consult a Beastcrafter immediately.
Common health problems
Upper Respiratory Problems - A respiratory problem is any condition which affects the caprine's breathing. Symptoms include nasal discharge, excessive coughing or sneezing, loss of appetite, and raised body temperatures. If any of these symptoms occur consult with a Beastcrafter immediately.
Abscess - Abscesses are pockets of infection filled with pus, usually caused by wounds or cuts which have penetrated the skin. They are indicated by swellings or lumps found below the skin and could be anywhere on the goat's body. Should any unusual lumps or swelling be noticed, isolate your caprine from others and contact a Beastcrafter.
Bloat - This is a serious condition commonly caused by overeating grain or new pasture. Preventative steps should be taken to stop bloat from occurring. Do not put caprines out on new pasture until their digestive systems are adjusted to that type of food. Be especially careful with fields of rapidly growing plants. Gradually introduce capriness to new pasture by bringing them some of the new pasture for a few days along with their regular hay. Then turn them out for only a few candlemards at a time, making sure that the field is not wet, as a wet field is more likely to cause bloat than a dry field. Make sure feed barrels and bags are completely inaccessible. The first obvious symptoms of bloat are distension of the abdomen, labored breathing, and signs of discomfort such as kicking, grinding teeth, bawling, and profuse salivation. ANY EVIDENCE OF BLOAT SHOULD BE DEEMED AN EMERGENCY - CONTACT A BEASTCRAFTER IMMEDIATELY.
Hoof Rot - Hoof rot is an infection of the hoof. It is more prevalent during wet seasons or when caprines spend long periods of time on wet grounds. One or more hooves can be infected at any time. Symptoms include: lameness, swelling between claws, and an elevated temperature. If left untreated, the foot will begin to "rot", revealing a foul-smelling discharge. By tending to caprine's hooves on a regular basis and by keeping bedding clean and dry, the occurrence of hoof rot can be prevented. If hoof rot occurs be sure to isolate the caprine, and keep the bedding very clean and dry. Consult a Beastcrafter if you have any questions about your caprine's condition or treatment.
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Caprines are relatively easy to take care of, and sanitary housing, good quality pasture, nutritious food and plenty of sunshine will greatly help to reduce health problems. Caprines need their hooves trimmed every 4-6 sevendays. This is very important as neglect can lead to lameness and infection. Hoof trimming is a simple procedure which a Beastcrafter can teach you.
During daily contact with caprines, always be on the lookout for any physical or behavioral changes. Symptoms indicating illness include loss of appetite, limping, listlessness, labored breathing, diarrhea, discharge from eyes or nose, or abnormal body temperature. If any of these symptoms occur, consult a Beastcrafter immediately.
Common health problems
Upper Respiratory Problems - A respiratory problem is any condition which affects the caprine's breathing. Symptoms include nasal discharge, excessive coughing or sneezing, loss of appetite, and raised body temperatures. If any of these symptoms occur consult with a Beastcrafter immediately.
Abscess - Abscesses are pockets of infection filled with pus, usually caused by wounds or cuts which have penetrated the skin. They are indicated by swellings or lumps found below the skin and could be anywhere on the goat's body. Should any unusual lumps or swelling be noticed, isolate your caprine from others and contact a Beastcrafter.
Bloat - This is a serious condition commonly caused by overeating grain or new pasture. Preventative steps should be taken to stop bloat from occurring. Do not put caprines out on new pasture until their digestive systems are adjusted to that type of food. Be especially careful with fields of rapidly growing plants. Gradually introduce capriness to new pasture by bringing them some of the new pasture for a few days along with their regular hay. Then turn them out for only a few candlemards at a time, making sure that the field is not wet, as a wet field is more likely to cause bloat than a dry field. Make sure feed barrels and bags are completely inaccessible. The first obvious symptoms of bloat are distension of the abdomen, labored breathing, and signs of discomfort such as kicking, grinding teeth, bawling, and profuse salivation. ANY EVIDENCE OF BLOAT SHOULD BE DEEMED AN EMERGENCY - CONTACT A BEASTCRAFTER IMMEDIATELY.
Hoof Rot - Hoof rot is an infection of the hoof. It is more prevalent during wet seasons or when caprines spend long periods of time on wet grounds. One or more hooves can be infected at any time. Symptoms include: lameness, swelling between claws, and an elevated temperature. If left untreated, the foot will begin to "rot", revealing a foul-smelling discharge. By tending to caprine's hooves on a regular basis and by keeping bedding clean and dry, the occurrence of hoof rot can be prevented. If hoof rot occurs be sure to isolate the caprine, and keep the bedding very clean and dry. Consult a Beastcrafter if you have any questions about your caprine's condition or treatment.
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Referenced By: No articles yet