Wasatch Veterinary Large Animal

08/19/2025

Goat eye anatomy is specially adapted for survival in rugged environments. The most striking feature is their rectangular, horizontal pupils, formed by elongated, slit-shaped irises. These pupils are surrounded by a sclera that can appear light-colored, making the eyes even more noticeable.

The goat’s retina contains a high density of rod cells, enhancing night vision, while a reflective layer called the tapetum lucidum further improves their ability to see in low light.

The horizontal pupils help goats maintain a panoramic view of the terrain and stabilize images as they move across uneven ground. Muscles in the eye allow the pupils to stay level with the horizon, even when the goat tilts its head—an ability that’s key for both navigation and predator detection.

This combination of structural and functional features makes goats' eyes a highly specialized tool for life in challenging landscapes.



Photo credit: https://goatjournal.iamcountryside.com/ownership/goat-eyes-senses/

08/13/2025

The rumen is a complex organ involved in the processing of nutrients. The rumen ferments consumed vegetation with various microbes (bacteria and Protozoa) releasing gas. These gases are released through eructating, which a healthy goat will do about every minute. A build up of gas in the rumen that cannot be released, is known as bloat or ruminal tympany. There are two types of bloat, frothy bloat and dry bloat. Frothy bloat is when overactive microbes create a foamy slime that traps the gas in the rumen. Consumption of large amounts of rich food or grain can be the underlying cause of frothy bloat. Dry bloat is caused by a blockage in the throat or esophagus from food or undigestible objects that prevents the eructation process. Bloat, irrespective of the cause, should be considered an emergency that requires veterinary care/consultation immediately. Symptoms of bloat are enlarged abdomen beginning on the left side, grinding teeth, stilted walk, difficulty breathing, and laying down frequently or for extended periods. Treatment of bloat begins with passing a tube into the rumen to allow the gas to escape. Prevention of bloat begins with a safe environment and controlled feeding. A goats diet should predominately consist of long-fiber forage such as hay or pasture. Fruit, nuts and vegetables should be fed in small amounts and given primarily as a treat. Grains should be introduced slowly, and in small amounts, to allow the rumen to adjust.























Photo credit: https://www.ironoakfarm.net/the-goat-digestive-tract/

08/10/2025

Please join us next week on Wednesday, August 13th @ 11:00 AM PDT / 12:00 pm MDT / 1:00 pm CDT for the August 2025 UI-USU-SDSU Extension Sheep & Goat webinar. This month we will be hearing from Dan Quadros, PhD, with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture on secrets to controlling parasites in sheep and goats.

USU Extension - Sheep and Goat SDSU Extension Sheep & Goats

Register Here: https://uidaho.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fWiLWKvuS2-dx3AJnWotNw

08/06/2025

We had an unexpected day with no appointments yesterday so Tara and I headed out to enjoy the Wasatch.

08/05/2025

A goat's foot anatomy is specially adapted for rugged terrain, providing both balance and agility. Each foot has two main weight-bearing toes, known as cloven hooves, which are split and flexible to grip uneven surfaces effectively. These hooves are made of a hard outer shell and a softer, more sensitive inner sole called the frog, which aids in shock absorption. Behind the hooves, goats have small, vestigial digits known as dewclaws, which don't touch the ground but may assist with stability on steep or rocky ground. The hoof continually grows and must be trimmed regularly in domestic goats to prevent overgrowth and related health issues. This specialized foot structure allows goats to climb steep, rocky landscapes with ease.




Photo credit: https://www.ironoakfarm.net/trimming-goat-hooves/

07/30/2025

07/30/2025

The animal vascular system is a highly efficient and dynamic network composed of the heart, blood vessels and blood. In their body, a 1000 lb horse will have approximately 34 L of blood, a 100 lb goat has approximately 3-4 liters of blood and the average human has 4.5 to 6 liters of blood. The heart, a four-chambered muscular pump (weighing around 8-10 lb in horses) propels oxygen-rich blood through arteries to tissues and returns deoxygenated blood via veins. Capillaries (branching blood vessels that form a network between the arteries and veins) facilitate the exchange of oxygen, nutrients and metabolic waste at the cellular level. A unique feature is the spleen, is a small organ that stores and filters blood removing old or damaged red blood cells and other cellular debris. In response to exercise, the spleen contracts and releases extra red blood cells, increasing oxygen-carrying capacity. In horses the hoof plays a major role in the equine vascular systems function. When the frog is compressed during weight-bearing, it pumps blood up the leg, aiding with circulation. In camelids the rete mirabile, a network of blood vessels at the base of the brain, helps regulate brain temperature and maintain cerebral blood flow during dehydration or heat stress.


Photo credit: https://thecompassionateequestrian.net/tag/circulatory-system/

07/24/2025

Happy pie and beer day from the Wasatch Veterinary Large Animal family. We hope this day finds you well and enjoying time with friends and family. As a friendly reminder: firework safety is especially important for farm animals, who can become easily frightened by loud noises and sudden flashes of light. The stress caused by fireworks can lead to panic, injuries and even long-term behavioral issues in animals such as horses, cattle, sheep/goats, alpacas and companion animals. To help keep them safe, it's important to plan ahead by securing barns and fencing, keeping animals in a familiar and sheltered environment as well as minimizing exposure to loud sounds and bright lights. Playing calming music or white noise in barns can help reduce anxiety. Checking on animals before, and after, fireworks will quickly identify stressed animals as well as any injuries. Being mindful of our farm animals during celebrations can make a big difference to their health and safety.



Photo credit: https://stablediffusionweb.com/prompts/goat-eating-blueberry-pie-in-a-cranberry-field

07/22/2025

Remember that animals always need access to clean drinking water. Water plays a critical role in nearly every bodily function and is essential to animal survival. It helps regulate body temperature, transport nutrients, eliminate waste and facilitate digestion. Animals in different environments have adapted to meet their hydration needs in unique ways. For instance, desert animals like camels can conserve water efficiently and go for long periods without drinking. Camels blood cells are oval shaped allowing the cells to store more water. Even animals that live in relatively moist environments must continually seek out fresh water sources to aid in cell structure and function, digestion and nutrient absorption, waste and excretion and temperature regulation. Without adequate hydration, animals quickly become vulnerable to heat stress, kidney problems, and other serious health issues such as colic.



https://alifeofheritage.com/farm-living/goats-in-winter/

07/15/2025

The animal vascular system is a highly efficient and dynamic network composed of the heart, blood vessels and blood. In their body, a 1000 lb horse will have approximately 34 L of blood, a 100 lb goat has approximately 3-4 liters of blood and the average human has 4.5 to 6 liters of blood. The heart, a four-chambered muscular pump (weighing around 8-10 lb in horses) propels oxygen-rich blood through arteries to tissues and returns deoxygenated blood via veins. Capillaries (branching blood vessels that form a network between the arteries and veins) facilitate the exchange of oxygen, nutrients and metabolic waste at the cellular level. A unique feature is the spleen, is a small organ that stores and filters blood removing old or damaged red blood cells and other cellular debris. In response to exercise, the spleen contracts and releases extra red blood cells, increasing oxygen-carrying capacity. In horses the hoof plays a major role in the equine vascular systems function. When the frog is compressed during weight-bearing, it pumps blood up the leg, aiding with circulation. In camelids the rete mirabile, a network of blood vessels at the base of the brain, helps regulate brain temperature and maintain cerebral blood flow during dehydration or heat stress.



Photo credit: https://myseniorhorse.com/fun-stuff/anatomy-physiology/horse-circulatory-system-diagram/

07/10/2025

Don't you love it when clients try to teach their animals a new discipline? Meet Festus as he tries being a cart cow for the first time!

07/08/2025

National Farriers Week is an annual celebration held July 6-12 to honor the dedication and craftsmanship of farriers—skilled professionals who specialize in equine hoof care. This week recognizes the essential role farriers play in the health, performance and well-being of horses, from everyday riding companions to top-level athletes. It’s a time for horse owners, trainers and the equestrian community to show appreciation for the farriers’ hard work, expertise and often physically demanding labor. National Farriers Week also helps raise awareness about the importance of regular and professional hoof care in maintaining a horse's overall health.