I'm a newcomer to goat keeping and currently have two nigerian dwarf goats due to kid early this summer. I'd like to administer tetanus shots myself, but have never done this. What gauge/size needle should I use? How far should I insert the needle? Also, when I order the vaccine, does it require refrigeration and how long does it keep? Thanks.

-- lynn black (puripada@cs.com), March 13, 2001

Answers

Response to giving tetanus shots

We give Tetanus Toxoid about 4 weeks before due dates, to protect the kids at disbudding and banding. Kids can then get a booster shot at 2 months. I use a 20 gauge 1" needle. I think a 1/2" needle would be better if you can find one. Bottle cost about $20 and will give 20 doses. Expiration date will be on it, so check, but I would think it would last a couple of years. It is refrigerated. ASk for it at your feed supply store. Recommended dosage for any age goat, according to CaprineSupply is 1/2 cc. Pull the needle plunger back to l/2cc, insert needle in bottle(shake bottle first.) Push plunger back in, putting air in the bottle, then pull back again to fill with medicine to that level. Tap out air bubbles while holding needle pointing up, and push medicine to top of needle. This is given in the muscle. We give in upper rear leg. If needle seems too long, you can put it in at a slant, or not all the way in. Rub injection site lightly. Good luck. It's easier the next time. :-)

-- mary, texas (marylgarcia@aol.com), March 13, 2001.

Response to giving tetanus shots

Same info as Mary but we use Bar Vac CD&T which not only boosts them for Tetanus but also enterotemia. I would vaccinate your does now, in 21 days, and then 3 weeks before they are due to kid. Then the kids would only need their shots at 3 weeks and their second in 21 days. We always revaccinate new stock or stock that we are unsure as to their vacciantion status. Also with Bar Vac CD&T and the other triple shots you have the choice of doing a muscle shot or an under the skin shot which most new folks are more comfortable with. All shots to all breeds and ages is 2cc. Don't forget to get your wormer lined up the does will need to be wormed the day they kid. Also with summer kids, worms and cocci are much more prevelant, might want to get information on that also. Have fun with your does, nigerians are very nice animals. Vicki

-- Vicki McGaugh TX (vickilonesomedoe@hotmail.com), March 13, 2001.

with sheep which i am assuming is alot like goats, we give the Bar/VacCD/T shot to all the ewes then at baning the tails I give the lambs 2cc of tetanus anixotic (there is 1500 units to a bottle which is 4cc), mainly because we also have horses. Please have the anitodote to the shot before giving. Never had a reaction but know of others who have. At 3 weeks I give the lambs a Bar Vac CD/T shot just 2cc and then in 3 more weeks give another. You have just reminded me that everyone needs the tails band tomorrow!

-- Debbie (bwolcott@cwis.net), March 19, 2001.

You really need to be careful not to hit the nerve running down the back of the leg bone. The vet's and feedstores only stock 1" or longer needles. These are really too big for goats. We order 3/4" x 20 guage needles from the vet supply catalogs. They work really well with the goats for both IM and SQ shots.

-- Skip Walton (sundaycreek@gnrac.net), March 22, 2001.