🐐 Milk Goiter vs. Bottle Jaw in Goats and Sheep: What Every Farmer Needs to Know

If you raise goats or sheep, at some point you might notice a strange swelling under the jaw, neck, or throat area of a young kid or lamb. This often causes confusion or concern among new livestock owners. Is it something serious? Should you treat it? Or is it completely normal?
The two most common conditions behind these symptoms are milk goiter and bottle jaw. While they both involve visible swelling, they are very different conditions — one is completely harmless, and the other can be life-threatening if left untreated.
In this blog, we’ll break down the difference between milk goiter and bottle jaw, explain their symptoms, causes, and what actions to take if you see either of them in your animals.

🍼 What is Milk Goiter?
Milk goiter is a condition seen in healthy young goats or lambs, especially those that are bottle-fed or consuming large amounts of milk. The swelling is caused by a naturally enlarged thymus gland, which is located in the throat area. This gland plays an important role in a young animal’s immune development.
🔍 Characteristics of Milk Goiter:
• Occurs mostly in kids or lambs (especially bottle-fed babies)
• Appears as a soft or firm bump under the neck or on the throat
• Not painful, does not interfere with eating, drinking, or movement
• Caused by a prominent thymus gland, which is normal in young animals
• No treatment is necessary — the swelling usually disappears with age
• The baby remains active, alert, and healthy
✅ Bottom Line:
Milk goiter is not a disease. It’s a normal anatomical feature in many baby goats or lambs and poses no health risk. Just monitor the animal — if it’s eating well, growing, and otherwise acting normal, you have nothing to worry about.
🪱 What is Bottle Jaw?
Bottle jaw, on the other hand, is a sign of a serious internal parasite problem, especially from barber pole worms (Haemonchus contortus). This worm attaches to the lining of the stomach and sucks blood, causing severe anemia, protein loss, and eventually fluid buildup under the jaw.
⚠ Symptoms of Bottle Jaw:
• Swelling under the lower jaw, usually squishy and fluid-like
• Pale eyelids (a sign of anemia)
• Weight loss, weakness, and sometimes diarrhea
• Reduced appetite and poor growth
• Often seen in animals grazing on contaminated pastures

🚨 Why It’s Dangerous:
The swelling (bottle jaw) occurs due to fluid leaking into tissues as a result of low blood protein. This is an emergency — the animal needs immediate deworming, proper nutrition, and possibly iron or vitamin injections.
If untreated, bottle jaw can quickly lead to death due to blood loss and organ failure.
👩‍⚕ What Should You Do?
✅ If it’s Milk Goiter:
• Monitor your kid or lamb.
• No need to treat — just ensure good nutrition and hygiene.
• The swelling will usually go away as they grow.
❗ If it’s Bottle Jaw:
• Deworm immediately using an effective broad-spectrum dewormer.
• Check eyelid color (FAMACHA score) to assess anemia level.
• Provide high-quality nutrition and fluids.
• Consult a vet for follow-up, especially if symptoms persist.
📝 Conclusion
Milk goiter and bottle jaw may look similar at first glance, but they are vastly different conditions. One is simply a normal part of growth, while the other is a sign of a serious parasitic infection that requires urgent attention.
By learning to recognize the signs early, you can ensure your flock or herd stays healthy, productive, and strong. Always keep an eye out for changes in behavior, appetite, and physical appearance, and when in doubt, consult a veterinarian or livestock specialist.