Founder
(Laminitis)
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When we think of founder, we think of horses.
Horses who overeat are susceptible to founder. We
now know goats are equally susceptible. This can
be a herd-wide problem or just a problem for one
goat.
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Laminitis (founder) is an inflammation of the
laminae, sensitive tissue which lies under the cover
of the hoof. The first symptom of founder is feet
warm or hot to the touch. The owner will notice
a sudden lameness due to the extreme pain. The goat
may grind his teeth in pain. Or he may balk at walking
or standing. Many goats will walk on their knees
or stand with a foot tucked up underneath them in
an attempt to take pressure off the foot. In chronic
founder the hoof may be malformed or overgrown with
the toes turned upwards. There may be pink areas
around the white line of the hoof. There could be
abnormal growth so the hoof becomes malformed because
the wall of the hoof thickens.
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There are thought to be several causes of laminitis.
One cause is an intake of feed low in magnesium
or high in protein. This is most common when the
goat breaks into the feed room and eats all it wants.
Excessive levels of highly fermentable feed (i.e.,
corn) may cause acidosis that manifests itself in
the extremely sore feet. When the entire herd is
affected, assume a diet high in carbohydrates and
low in fiber causing a decrease in rumen pH.
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At other times the laminitis is a result of a
bacterial infection. Some have associated laminitis
as a complication of diseases associated with kidding,
i.e., retained placenta, mastitis, or uterine infection.
It may also be a complication of enterotoxemia or
pneumonia.
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When the cause is a change in diet (or overindulging),
simply give the goat one to two tablespoons of Epsom
Salts and add dolomite to the feed. Once the mineral
ration has been stabilized with a proper balance,
founder should not be a problem.
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Check your feed for magnesium content and calcium:magnesium
ratio. Excess calcium in relation to magnesium is
very common, leading to a relative magnesium deficiency.
Magnesium is also important for maintaining normal
insulin sensitivity. Ration should be supplemented
with magnesium to bring the calcium:magnesium ratio
down to 2:1.
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Iodine deficiency is also common and may contribute
to hormonal abnormalities. Feed a mineral supplement
formulated for goats (there are several good ones
out there) or, better yet in many cases, especially
if the animal is on a "diet", a protein
and mineral supplement. Infovets.com, in their book
Small Ruminant Production Medicine and Managent
for Sheep and Goats recommends a treatment
of phenylbutazone (bute).
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Furney Register and other suppliers have boots
for goats. We would suggest putting a layer of cotton
soaked in iodine in the bottom of the boots, and
keep the boots on the feet until the feet recover
(changing the cotton twice a day for cleanliness
purposes). Be sure to have a high quality protein
in the diet to rebuild the hoof.
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