Risk of Procedure

Cautery (hot iron) disbudding is the safest method for preventing horn growth in goats. It is recommended that goat kids are disbudded by 14 days of age, ideally between 5-7 days, but after a maternal bond has been established. Dehorning of goat kids over 14 days of age is not recommended. Dehorning after 14 days of age carries an increased risk that horn growth will still occur with scur formation and contributes to greater welfare concerns for the goat. Scur formation is less common, but possible, even when disbudding is performed prior to 14 days of age. Dehorning of goats over 14 days of age should only occur where health and welfare of the goat is impacted and not for cosmetic purposes. Cautery disbudding carries a risk of thermal and bacterial meningoencephalitis due to trauma to the skull, which can be a serious life-threatening complication.

Risks of Anesthesia

As the owner of the above patient, I certify that I am over the age of 18; and I authorize the staff of Old Dominion Veterinary Services to perform cautery disbudding, as well as any additional procedures deemed necessary to treat life-threatening emergencies. As with any procedure requiring general and/or local anesthesia, there are certain risks that serious complications or even death may result. I acknowledge that staff members at this practice have explained the procedures to me, answered questions to my satisfaction and cannot be held responsible for any unforeseeable results. Further, I understand that I am financially responsible for all costs incurred during this surgery and associated treatments. While I accept that all procedures will be performed to the best of the abilities of the staff of Old Dominion Veterinary Services, I understand that medicine is not an exact science and that no guarantees have been made regarding the outcome of this/these procedures. I have read and understand the nature of the above procedures and accept the specific terms and conditions set forth herein.