Small Ruminant Veterinary Care in Traverse City, MI
Sheep and goats have unique medical needs that go beyond general companion animal medicine. At Omnivet in Traverse City, MI, our veterinary team offers knowledgeable, compassionate care for small ruminants, from parasite control and nutrition to reproductive care and herd health planning, helping your animals stay healthy and productive year-round.
Small Ruminant Services We Offer
- Wellness exams and vaccinations
- Parasite monitoring, fecal egg counts, and targeted treatment
- Nutritional counseling
- Reproductive services, pregnancy care, and help with kidding and lambing
- Hoof trimming and treatment of foot rot and lameness
- Respiratory disease management
- Wound care and emergency treatment
- Diagnostics including bloodwork and digital X-rays
- Customized herd health plans
Parasite Management
Internal parasites, especially barber pole worm (Haemonchus contortus), are one of the leading health challenges for sheep and goats. Heavy infections cause anemia, weight loss, bottle jaw, and death, and overuse of dewormers has led to widespread resistance. Our team uses evidence-based strategies such as FAMACHA scoring, fecal egg counts, and targeted selective treatment to protect your flock while preserving the effectiveness of the dewormers you rely on.
Common Health Problems in Sheep and Goats
We diagnose and treat a wide range of small ruminant conditions, including:
- Bloat and rumen upset
- Urinary calculi (urinary stones) in wethers and bucks, which is an emergency
- Enterotoxemia and other clostridial diseases
- Pregnancy toxemia and hypocalcemia around kidding and lambing
- Pneumonia
- Foot rot and lameness
- Mastitis
- Caseous lymphadenitis and other infectious diseases
A male goat or sheep straining to urinate may have urinary calculi. Call (231) 244-4860 right away, as this condition is life-threatening.
Herd Health Planning
No two operations are alike. Whether you keep a few backyard goats or manage a larger flock, we work with you to build a herd health plan that fits your goals, environment, and herd size, including vaccination schedules, parasite control, nutrition, biosecurity, and reproductive planning.
Haul-In Appointments and Farm Calls
We see small ruminants through haul-in appointments at our hospital at 3960 W Royal Dr in Traverse City, and our farm call services bring care directly to your property, which is ideal for larger herds or animals that are difficult to transport. Call Omnivet at (231) 244-4860 to schedule. We are open Monday through Friday from 9am to 7pm and Saturday from 10am to 6pm.
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Ruminant Medicine
Do you treat both sheep and goats?
Yes. We provide medical care, preventive care, and herd health planning for sheep and goats.
What is FAMACHA scoring?
FAMACHA is a method of checking the color of the inner eyelid to estimate anemia caused by barber pole worm, helping decide which animals need deworming.
How often should my goats or sheep be dewormed?
Routine deworming of the whole herd is no longer recommended because of resistance. We use fecal egg counts and FAMACHA to treat only the animals that need it.
What vaccines do sheep and goats need?
Most small ruminants benefit from a CD&T vaccine against clostridial diseases and tetanus. We tailor recommendations to your herd.
Why is my male goat straining to urinate?
Straining in wethers and bucks often signals urinary calculi, a life-threatening blockage. Call (231) 244-4860 immediately.
Can you help with kidding or lambing problems?
Yes. Call us right away if a doe or ewe has been in labor without progress or a kid or lamb appears stuck.
Do you offer farm calls for small ruminants?
Yes. We offer both haul-in appointments and farm calls.