Some topics come up over and over again on our Holistic Goat Care Group on Facebook. Today we’re covering CDT vaccinations. Here’s what our group members have to say on the matter.
CDT or not? Pros and cons. Is it really necessary? Here’s what the folks over at the Holistic Goat Care Group have to say on the matter.
The YES Group
“Do tetanus. [It’s] a scary thing to deal with and see.” —Cody B.
“The only time I vaccinate with tetanus is on the kids when I dehorn, tattoo, and castrate (buckling of course). I do it all same day with some children Tylenol on board to help manage pain and their noon bottle after to help make it forgettable to some degree.” —Brooke C.
“I try very hard to stay as natural as I can but I also use western medicine when necessary. CDT is an easy win for everyone. I sell my babies and want them to have the best chance to survive and flourish. If I lost one from something I could have prevented I would be devastated. That said, I would never tell you what you’re doing is wrong. Not my place at all. Your goats, your decision.” —Jonny C.
“We vaccinate ourselves, our kids, and all our critters, no brainer.” —Erin B.R.
“Yes, there been lots of cases where goats get tetanus after wethering.” —Annelie H.
“I just had my four kids vaccinated and asked my vet if it was really necessary. She said that she has been a livestock vet long enough to see the results of no vaccination. But it is a choice, regardless.” —Anne W.
“We vaccinate. We’ve never had any problems with it and I’d rather not take the risk of not vaccinating.” —Deborah B.
“I’ve vaccinated and not vaccinated (seniors), no issues either way. Stand a higher chance of losing a goat to parasites. But as the vaccine doesn’t seem to harm, might as well do it.” —Tamera S.
“I never vaccinated until I had a goat get Tetanus and it was the most horrific experience the Tetanus Anti Toxin is so hard to find the vets around here don’t even have it. Nothing we could do. So for now on, I vaccinate with CDT so I never lose another one to it.” —Karey G
“CDT is the only vaccine I do for my goats. Tetanus is horrible and they can get it so easily in their environment. Easy and cheap enough to do myself once a year and not have to worry about it.” —Erin B.
The NO Group
“Nope. Not necessary.” —Amy J.
“I never have in 6 years. Have heard too many problems with it.” —Alicia C.
“Nope. Almost 20 years without and never a case of tetanus or bloat. Plus there are a bunch of unhealthy ingredients in vaccines, and I don’t want that in any animals that are producing milk or meat for my family.” —Erica H.C.
“I don’t vaccinate. Last year someone that purchased some lambs from me asked me to vaccinate them and one of them had a very bad reaction and I almost lost her. I will never vaccinate again!” —Emilie M.
“We don’t vaccinate our goats either. We’re trying to go all-natural as possible as well, with chemicals only to be used as an emergency.” —Abram F.
“Never have. The LOH herbalist said she hasn’t in 20 years with her goats … It’s totally fine. Unfortunately, people don’t have the facts about tetanus straight and they think they’re helping their goats when they aren’t. For instance, the tetanus vaccine takes 2 weeks to be effective yet they will give it and tattoo on the same day and say that the shot is preventing tetanus in the tattoo area.” —Leah S.
“I’ve had goats 13 years and never vaccinated a single goat. We’ve never had any sickness at all!!! But, I have a closed herd and do not buy/sell often… if I was selling registered stock, I feel like I would need to vaccinate, etc… as that’s the expectation when you purchase a goat.” —Kayla H.
“I dropped the vaccine years ago was still losing goats to stomach issues. Now I put bloat hairs blocks out in spring and fall when the new grasses are green” —Desiree O.
“My goats are all healthy. I feed organic and invest in well-care. I will never vaccinate.” —Lynne H.
“I don’t vaccinate. Never had an issue and have Some amazingly healthy goats.” —Maria A.
“We stopped giving CDT about 4 or 5 years ago to all kids except those that are leaving for new homes. Also, on a side note, if you give it IM you don’t get lumps.” —Cheryle M.S.
Other Thoughtful CDT Discussion
“Hey! It’s up to your personal preference. Some goat owners choose to vaccinate, others don’t. But if you choose not to, it would be a good idea to keep the antitoxins on hand just in case.” —Mackenzie C.
“I think something to consider here is that vaccines for animals are incredibly different than vaccines for humans. I am not promoting them or denying them. But considering what happens when an animal gets “side-effects” from an “optional” vaccine. The repercussions are intense. After a bad vaccine experience, an animal owner is less likely to use or administer that vaccine in the future. In turn, hurting the company’s profits and reputation. But vaccines for humans are mostly controlled and legally enforced. So, there is less of a liability and accountability check process for the companies producing vaccines. Therefore leaving plenty of room for terrible “side-effects” with no accountability or repercussions. Overall I feel it’s a personal choice that should be investigated, so you can make an informed decision.” —Erica W.
“I’m not antivaxx per se… I used to give it faithfully for years and quit about 5 years ago. I have not noticed any difference in health between giving and not giving that particular shot. Tetanus is an injury-based ailment. If you faithfully get your hands on your goats every day, you can probably get by without it. Tetanus is the one reason I’d restart vaccinating though if I went back to it. Clostridium (the C/D part) is largely a management issue. Keep all feed locked up tight behind at least two doors/tight lids. And never…ever…ever feed moldy hay or feed. Ever. Clostridium only thrives in an anaerobic environment (no oxygen) usually caused by the mass die-off of the gut flora… usually due to mold contamination or antibiotic kill…can also occur with an overdose of acidity causing foods…like feed/grain, which is why it’s called “overeating disease” – they splurge on grain, which causes acid production from the gut flora which then kills the gut flora, allowing the clostridia to take over.” —Natasha Q.L.
So what are your thoughts on giving CDT vaccinations to your goats?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. But remember, group rules apply here as well. Respectful discussion only! We here at BiteMe support everyone’s individual ideas of what natural and holistic means to them. Join the group and then click here to see what else people have to say on the matter.
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