Aspen Veterinary
Service
years of age. This arthritis eventually
becomes severe enough that the animal will
no longer stand. Stress seems to hasten the
disease process. None of the forms of CAE
are curable, therefore, it is best not to breed
carrier animals so that some day all of
America’s goat herds can be CAE free.
March 2009 Newsletter
Welcome to the third edition
Newsletter brought to you by Aspen
Veterinary Service!
Quote of the Month: Letting the cat out of
the bag is a whole lot easier than putting it
back in.
Unless stated otherwise, all
Newsletters will be authored by Dr.
Annie Bowes.
The month of March begins like a lion and
hopefully leaves us like a lamb. As we are
continually seeing snow flurries, it is hard to
believe that calving season has arrived! If
you are expecting new lambs, calves, foals,
or kids, don’t forget to stock up on iodine or
chlorhex solution to dip the navels. Also,
new arrivals should get a shot of selenium
because they won’t get enough in the
colostrums or feeds: this part of the country
is relatively deficient.
Does that are infected with CAE can
produce apparently normal kids that are
carriers (which may eventually succumb to
arthritis) or kids afflicted with encephalitis.
The encephalitic presentation of CAE is
always fatal, and most kids don’t survive for
more than five or six months.
It is speculated that CAE can be spread from
doe to doe by sharing kidding pens and from
lamb to lamb by sharing bottles. This is an
uncommon way of disease infection, but
should be considered if you have a CAE
positive animal.
March’s Disease Discussion is CAE
Caprine Arthritis and Encephalitis disease
affects only goats. It is spread by body
fluids: milk, afterbirth, and blood. Dairy
goat herds strive to be CAE free, though the
virus does not taint the milk; it does cause a
significant drop in production. Meat goats
are also at risk, though few of the offspring
are retained in the herd – thus reducing
disease propensity.
CAE positive goats have many
presentations: diseased udder, encephalitis,
arthritis, respiratory disease, or no signs
whatsoever. The arthritic form can be quite
debilitating even in animals of one to two
The test for CAE requires a blood sample
which can be collected by your veterinarian.
Positive animals should be culled, and the
herd rechecked every three to six months.
CAE free status is possible, but requires
Got Ideas? Aspen Veterinary Service is
always looking for new topics and great
ideas. If there is something you would like
to know more about, please don’t hesitate to
ask. Dr. Bowes can be reached at
annie@aspenvetservice.com or (208) 6596825. And feel free to share some jokes that
can be published in the next issue!
As always, your animal’s health is very
important to Aspen Veterinary Service and
routine care is a major component of
husbandry. It is the hope that this Newsletter
was helpful and informative; and in keeping
with the mission statement of this company:
Aspen Veterinary Service is dedicated to
preserving a country way of life, and
promoting general farm animal health and
production.
Together, we keep American farms and
ranches going strong.
Guardian dogs are undeterred by snow,
rain, or summer heat. They bark only at
trespassers and are fiercely territorial. They
are famous for killing coyotes, and shun the
indoors. They are the only dogs loyal to
man that do not require his companionship.
They are content to hold steadfast over their
charges and live their entire lives out with
For additional information about Aspen
Veterinary Service, please visit:
www.aspenvetservice.com
Happy Trails!
Copyright 2009 ©
Aspen Veterinary Service. PLLC Post Falls, Idaho
Aspen Veterinary Service
Guardian Dogs are not the same as Guard
Dogs. If you have been blessed to own a
flock protector such as a Great Pyrenees,
Anatolian Shepherd, or other such gentle
giant, you will know the strength and loyalty
required to become a flock guardian. These
dogs don’t herd or chase livestock, they
defend it. Their selfless servitude dates back
to Biblical times, long before the cowboy’s
stock dog made a name for himself.
their stock. If you have goats or sheep, you
are doing them a disservice if you don’t
provide them with a noble guardian dog.
Even horses, cattle, and poultry can benefit
from his presence. Once you have one, you
will wonder how you managed without him.
3521 North Greensferry Road
Post Falls, Idaho 83854
diligent quarantine, frequent testing of all
animals, and zero tolerance of carriers. Kids
from CAE positive does can be raised on
pasteurized milk, and may remain CAE free.