2 Clinical Signs Discomfort manifested by restlessness or quietly lying down, pathetic, weak crying and moderate depression are usual signs. The temperatures and hematocrit are normal and the mucous membranes are pink. In those conditions associated with overeating, the rumen is full, firm and doughy and has no significant contractions. The feces are usually of normal consistency but decreased volume. Recovery occurs in 24-48 hours.

3 Diagnosis Diagnosis is suggested by a history of a change in the nature or amount of diet, the elimination of other more severe possibilities, and the signs. The most important aspect of the diagnosis is to accurately determine that something worse, especially grain overload, has not occurred. As long as the color of the mucous membranes remains a healthy pink and the hematocrit has not increased above 45, the continued diagnosis of simple indigestion is justified.

4 Prevention and Treatment Avoid sudden changes in amount and type of diet without a period of gradually increasing the amount. Accidental exposure can only be avoided by having good pens so that the goats cannot escape to ''greener pastures''. Placentas should be removed as soon as it is passed by the parturient doe.

5 Once the dietary indiscretion has occurred, remove all sources of feed and allow access to water only if grain overload can be absolutely eliminated as a possible diagnosis. The animal will probably regain health without treatment but if desired, a tablespoon of milk of magnesia, 2 ounces of mineral oil and one crushed aspirin in a pint of warm water can be given by drench or by stomach tube to a small kid. Two to four pints of the above mixture can be given to bigger animals depending on their size.