Expert Small Ruminant Veterinary Care in Traverse City, MI
At Omnivet in Traverse City, MI, we understand the unique health needs of sheep and goats. Small ruminants require specialized veterinary knowledge that goes beyond general companion animal medicine — from parasite management and nutrition to reproductive care and herd health planning. Our experienced veterinary team offers compassionate, knowledgeable care tailored specifically to small ruminants, helping you keep your animals healthy, productive, and thriving year-round.
Why Choose Omnivet for Small Ruminant Medicine?
When it comes to the health of your sheep and goats, you want a veterinarian who truly understands these animals — their physiology, their common disease challenges, and the realities of managing a flock. At Omnivet, we combine hands-on experience with a genuine passion for small ruminant medicine to deliver care that makes a real difference for your animals and your operation.
Our services for small ruminants cover a comprehensive range of needs, including routine wellness exams and vaccinations, parasite monitoring and treatment, nutritional counseling, reproductive services, hoof care, respiratory disease management, and emergency treatment. We also work with you to develop customized herd health plans that reflect your farm’s specific goals, environment, and herd size — because no two operations are exactly alike, and a cookie-cutter approach simply doesn’t serve small ruminants well.
Internal parasites — particularly barber pole worm (Haemonchus contortus) — are one of the leading health challenges facing small ruminants in many regions, and improper management can lead to serious production losses and animal deaths. Our team at Omnivet uses evidence-based parasite control strategies, including FAMACHA scoring and targeted selective treatment, to help you manage resistance and keep your flock protected without over-relying on dewormers.
In addition to scheduled farm visits and haul-in appointments, our farm call services bring veterinary care directly to your property — ideal for larger herds or animals that are difficult to transport. For urgent or emergency situations involving your small ruminants, call Omnivet at (231) 244-4860 right away. You can also explore our emergency care and emergency stabilization services for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Ruminant Medicine
What common health issues do small ruminants face?
Sheep and goats are susceptible to a range of health challenges, with internal parasites — particularly barber pole worm — being among the most significant. Other common issues include foot rot and foot scald, respiratory infections, clostridial diseases, caseous lymphadenitis (CL), pinkeye, urinary calculi (especially in wethers), pregnancy toxemia, and nutritional deficiencies such as selenium or copper imbalances. Early detection and proactive herd health management are essential to minimizing the impact of these conditions on your flock. Our team at Omnivet can help you build a preventive care plan tailored to your specific risks and management practices.
How often should my small ruminants have veterinary check-ups?
At minimum, routine veterinary exams are recommended twice a year for small ruminants — ideally timed around key production periods such as breeding season and pre-lambing or pre-kidding. However, the appropriate frequency will depend on your herd’s size, age, health history, and current management practices. New animals being added to your flock should always be evaluated and quarantined before introduction. Our team at Omnivet can help you establish a wellness schedule that keeps your animals protected without unnecessary disruption to your operation.
Can Omnivet assist with nutrition planning for my flock?
Yes — nutrition is one of the most critical factors in small ruminant health and productivity, and it’s an area where we provide personalized guidance. Nutritional needs vary significantly by life stage, production status, and forage availability, and imbalances can contribute to a wide range of health problems including pregnancy toxemia, hypocalcemia, and poor reproductive performance. Our team at Omnivet can evaluate your current feeding program, assess forage quality, and make targeted recommendations to support optimal growth, reproduction, and overall herd health.
Are vaccinations necessary for sheep and goats?
Yes — vaccinations are a cornerstone of small ruminant preventive health care. The CD&T vaccine, which protects against clostridial diseases including enterotoxemia (overeating disease) and tetanus, is considered essential for virtually all sheep and goat operations. Depending on your region, herd composition, and specific risk factors, additional vaccines may also be recommended. Our team at Omnivet will help you design a vaccination protocol based on your herd’s individual needs and local disease pressures to ensure your animals are as well protected as possible.
Do you offer farm calls for small ruminants?
Yes — our farm call services are available for small ruminant clients who prefer on-site veterinary care or who have herds that are difficult to transport. Farm calls allow our team to evaluate animals in their natural environment, assess herd-wide conditions, and provide practical management recommendations based on what we observe on your property. We also offer haul-in appointments for clients who prefer to bring their animals to our facility in Traverse City, MI. Just call Omnivet at (231) 244-4860 to discuss which option works best for your situation.
How do I know if my goat or sheep has an internal parasite problem?
Signs of significant parasite burden in small ruminants include pale mucous membranes (assessed using the FAMACHA scoring system), bottle jaw (fluid accumulation under the chin), weight loss, poor body condition, rough coat, diarrhea, and lethargy. Because internal parasites can cause serious illness and death — particularly in young, pregnant, or recently stressed animals — regular fecal egg counts and FAMACHA monitoring are important management tools. Our team at Omnivet can train you to use these methods effectively and develop a targeted deworming strategy for your flock.
What should I do if a sheep or goat in my herd is showing signs of illness?
Contact Omnivet promptly at (231) 244-4860 whenever an animal in your herd is showing signs of illness such as loss of appetite, isolation from the herd, labored breathing, bloat, sudden lameness, neurological signs, or unusual discharge. Early intervention is critical in small ruminants, as these animals can decline quickly once ill. For urgent situations, our emergency care team is available, and our farm call services can bring veterinary care directly to your property when needed.