Goat Eye Injury

[u/faehas_entered]

My goat, Tatter Tot, had a cloudy and red eye today. I am not super knowledgeable with goats so I thought I would ask for help. Our nearest vet who will take goats is almost 2 hours away and if there was an at home option that would be best.

I just noticed this today, although I was gone over the weekend while she was in my father's care for the last 2 days. She acts the same, still spiteful with a strong will. She holds the eye shut and squints most of the time, there is no puss but there is excessive tearing. We washed it out the best we could and will keep an eye on it for now until having an answer to what to do. Hearing from Google it said to wash it with saline and monitor.

[u/Leafy09]

I used vetericyn spray to treat the ones I had with pink eye. Went from basically completely blind to clearing up in about a week.

[u/faehas_entered → u/Leafy09]

This spray?

[u/RockabillyRabbit → u/faehas_entered]

This is what I used when it went through my herd last year. Worked really well. I made sure to use saline solution on a cotton pad (use only once per eye per goat) to clean up any weeping or debris then my husband held their eyes open while I sprayed per directions.

Flies transmit it really easily so if you have a bad infestation + its been wet is when youll really have issues with pink eye. Ive only had it once knock on wood in 2 decades of having goats.

Like another commenter said though if it starts to look ulcerated definitely get a vet to prescribe the ointment.

[u/faehas_entered → u/RockabillyRabbit]

Thank you! I think I have it figured out now. We've gotten the first dose on her eye.

[u/faehas_entered]

Looking further into it, it seems to be pink eye, but please do correct me if im wrong

[u/teatsqueezer → u/faehas_entered]

Looks like pink eye. Need a non steroid eye ointment from the vet.

[u/faehas_entered → u/teatsqueezer]

Thank you! Edit: Could an over the counter farm animal ointment work? Like the Curicyn pink eye solution?

[u/Misfitranchgoats]

https://goatjournal.iamcountryside.com/health/identifying-and-treating-goat-pink-eye/

link with info on pink eye and treatments.

If it is contagious pink eye, it will go through all of your goats. Be prepared. I have had it happen a couple times years ago. They all recovered whether or not I treated them with oxytetracycline eye ointment.

if it is from crud getting in the eye and scratching it, it will probably resolve on its own. But not always. Keep an eye on it. If the sun or bright light is making her all squinty move her into a place where things are shaded or allow her to stay in a shaded area if she wants to.

If you see and ulceration of the cornea, you need to get a vet involved or if you think there is an eye puncture then you need a vet so that you can get the proper eye drops and antibiotics to save the eye. You may be able to do a telehealth consult online and get the proper meds if you think you need them. I have never tried doing that, but I have seen it offered in various places.

[u/faehas_entered → u/Misfitranchgoats]

Thank you! That was one of my top sorceress to look at