This information relates to both lambs and goats. 

Enterotoxemia - One of the main causes of death in club lambs is enterotoxemia, or overeating disease. Symptoms are seldom exhibited. The disease is caused by a clostridial organism normally present in the intestine of most sheep. Lambs that experience abrupt changes to their feeding schedules or that consume large amounts of grain are subject to enterotoxemia. These changes cause the clostridial organism to grow rapidly and produce a powerful toxin that causes death in a few hours. There is a combination vaccine for types C and D enterotoxemia. All club lambs should be vaccinated with the combination vaccine, and a booster vaccine should be administered 2 to 3 weeks later. Additional boosters can be given at 2- to 3-month intervals. 

Internal Parasites - Internal parasites are a continual problem. New lambs should be drenched for internal parasites immediately. A second drenching should follow about 3 weeks later. Consult your veterinarian for recommended practices and information on the most effective drenches. 

Soremouth - is a contagious disease that causes the formation of scabs on the lips and around the mouths of lambs. It is caused by a virus that can affect humans, so use caution when working with lambs with soremouth. Iodine can be rubbed into lesions after the scabs are removed and this will help dry up the area and reduce the infection. The Texas Agricultural Experiment Station manufactures a live-virus vaccine that will help prevent soremouth. 

Tetanus Lambs - affected with tetanus seldom recover and there is no satisfactory treatment. If tetanus has been a problem in your area, or if you use elastrator bands to dock tails, you should vaccinate for tetanus. There are combination vaccines for tetanus and enterotoxemia. 

Ringworm - can become a serious problem because it is contagious and can be transmitted from lamb to lamb, from lamb to human, or from infected equipment to lamb. A good prevention program is necessary. The following products have been used with varying results: 

• Fulvicin® powder — as a bolus or used to top dress feed; 

• Novasan® — 3 ounces per gallon of water sprayed on lambs, equipment and premises; 

• Bleach — 10 percent solution sprayed on lambs, equipment and premises. 

Rectal Prolapse - or protrusion of the rectum, is believed to be inherited. It also is associated with concentrate feeding, short docking of the tail or excessive coughing induced by dusty conditions. Prompt treatment by a veterinarian is recommended. If unattended, the prolapsed rectum will become swollen, inflamed and covered with crusted blood, fibrin and feces. If a lamb is in otherwise good physical condition, salvage by slaughter may be the most economically feasible approach. 

Polyarthritis Chlamydial - or stiff lamb disease, most commonly affects lambs from 3 weeks to 5 months of age. Affected lambs are inactive, reluctant to rise or move, and lose weight or gain weight slowly. If forced to move, they move with a stiff gait as though in extreme pain. After moving for a few minutes, however, the lambs will appear almost normal as the lameness or stiffness diminishes. Treatment relies on the use of tetracycline antibiotics as prescribed by a veterinarian. 

Illegal Drugs - State and federal laws and regulations concerning the use of drugs for livestock and poultry are established to protect human and animal health. These laws and regulations state that instructions and restrictions on product labels must be strictly followed. The labels state the species or class of livestock or poultry for which the drug is to be used, the recommended route of administration, the approved dosage rate and specific conditions to be treated. When administering drugs, always follow label instructions. 

The use of a drug in a manner other than stated on its label is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and may be done only under the control of a licensed veterinarian. The veterinarian assumes the responsibility for making medical judgement and you, the client, agree to strictly follow the instructions. 

Most Texas livestock shows have strict policies against the illegal use of drugs and will disqualify animals if such drugs have been used. 

Other Care Considerations - Tail docking, hoof trimming and daily observation are also necessary to a good health management program. 

Many lambs that come from large range operations have not had their tails docked short. To prepare a lamb such as this for the show ring, it is necessary to remove one to four vertebrae from the end of the tail. This should be done as early as possible so that the tail will have time to heal. You may do it yourself or have it done by a veterinarian. 

Hooves need to be trimmed every 4 to 6 weeks. Always trim hooves 1 to 2 weeks before a show in case you accidentally cut into the quick and temporarily cripple the lamb. This will give the lamb time to heal before the show. 

Careful daily observation of lambs also is a good preventive measure. Lambs that do not feel well generally do not eat as quickly and may not clean up their feed. It is a good idea to routinely check the manure of the lambs in the pen. Lambs with diarrhea generally have had their feed changed too quickly, have consumed too much high-energy feed, or may have an internal parasite problem. Check the lambs to see how they walk and get a good impression of their overall thriftiness. Lambs with their ears hanging down and walking abnormally do not feel well. 

Daily observations also will help you detect lambs suffering from urinary calculi or water belly. An affected animal will stand with its back arched and will strain to pass urine, may kick at its belly and show extreme discomfort. It is normal for most lambs to urinate after they stand up and move about for a few minutes. Watch your lambs closely to make sure they are urinating without problems. 

Heat stress also can be a problem for lambs. Heat stressed lambs tend to stand very straight on their hind legs and appear to have the shakes or tremors in their rear quarters. To reduce stress, shear the lambs and provide a quiet, cool place for rest (Fehlis & Stultz, 2008). 

References

Fehlis, C. P., & Stultz, R. P. (October, 2008). 4-H Lamb Show Guide. PDF. College Station.

https://animalscience.tamu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2012/04/AS34059-showlamb.pdf