Floppy kid syndrome (metabolic acidosis without dehydration in kids) was first reported in the spring of 1987. This unique condition was first recognized in herds on the west coast and in Canada. It has more recently been recognized throughout the United States. With the increase in popularity of Boer and other meat goats, there has been an apparent increase in reports of floppy kid syndrome in Texas and other states where meat goat numbers are increasing.

The affected kid is normal at birth and develops a sudden onset of muscular weakness (flaccid paresis or paralysis) or ataxia at 3 to 10 days of age. Cases tend to occur most commonly late in kidding seasons. Affected kids are depressed, cannot use their tongues to suckle but can swallow and have marked paradoxial metabolic acidosis (anion gap HCO3, normal chloride). There are no signs of diarrhea, respiratory disease, or other signs.

The clinical signs of paresis/paralysis/ataxia in 3 to 10-day old kids and supporting blood chemistry value are diagnostic features. The causative agents have not been identified. However, infection and endotoxemia could likely be the cause. Differential diagnoses include white muscle disease, abomasal bloat, colibacillosis, septicemia, or enterotoxemia.

Early detection and correction of a base deficit as well as good supportive care are critical. Since the etiologic agent is not known, no preventive or treatments, aside from correction of electrolyte imbalance and supportive care, is recommended. Less severe cases are most commonly treated by owners with oral bicarbonate or Pepto-Bismol at the onset of signs. Kids may need to be fed milk by stomach tube. More severe cases may require blood chemistry and intravenous fluid. A mixture of 2 teaspoons of baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt in a quart of water has been used successfully. Give 4 ounces of this mixture by mouth every 4 hours. Recovery has been seen in 12 hours.