In Goldie's case we treated with Bio-Mycin 200 a non-stinging form of broad-spectrum antibiotic oxytetracycline.  This made the numerous shots a bit more bearable for Miss Goldie.  We also gave her 8cc of Vitamin B with high Thiamine content every day for 5 days straight.
Because the eye is unable to close on the effected side it needs to be moisturized.  Vaseline is a very effective treatment.  Just smear it on twice a day or as needed.
I had the vet out to confirm the diagnosis.  I also asked "what have I done wrong?!"  He said that there is no way to prevent it, it is nothing that you do wrong.  It is just something you have to deal with.  While comforting in one aspect, it is still unnerving that there is no way to prevent this horrible disease.

Listeriosis
By Mrs. Eldon West
      This spring there have been a number of cases of listeriosis diagnosed.  Having gone thru a very serious bout of listeriosis.  I would like to share my experience with the membership.  My animals were diagnosed with listeriosis after I transported four of them to the OSU clinic.  The disease may have come from an improperly wrapped bale of haylage.
      What is Listeriosis?  Simply put, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the membrane covering the spinal cord).  It is caused by a bacteria that lives in the soil.  It can be viable up to 5 years, can be ingested orally or conjunctively (thru the eye) and can remain dormant in the goat for a considerable length of time.  A goat can ingest the bacteria and not show clinical signs of disease until stressed by kidding, change of weather, feed, etc.  I cannot find any article that can tell me how long a goat can be a carrier before it actually shows signs of disease.  A fecal exam can show carriers after an outbreak.  A simple blood test cannot diagnose listeriosis.  Sometimes a spinal tap will detect the bacteria.  The only true conclusive test can be done after death on the brain and brain stem tissue.
      The bacteria can be found in three forms.  One form will invade the central nervous system (CNS) and progress to the brain; another will invade the blood stream; and the third can cause abortions.  A goat will harbor only one form at a time.  I had 30 cases of the CNS variety and one case of septicemia or blood invading form.
      How do you get listeriosis?  The most common way is by the goat eating hay, grain, or silage that has been contaminated with soil that contains the bacteria.  During the silage and haying process, particles of soil can be picked up and incorporated into the bales.
      What are the symptoms?  The very first sign, usually about 10 days to 2 weeks after infection, will be a change in personality, either excitable or depressed, and disorientation or confusion if you excite the animal.  Temperature may be slightly elevated, 103.5F to l05F.  Eyes will not look normal.  They will have  a"cat eye" appearance.  Pupils will be smaller than normal, showing more of the yellow area.  Muscle tremors also will be noted as if they were cold.  As the disease progresses, disorientation, progressive excitability or depression, decrease of milk production and decreased or non-consumption of grain will be noted.  Without treatment as the disease progresses, the goat will circle to one side, lean against objects and press its head against the wall,  One eye, ear and one side of the face may become paralyzed.  Sometimes the tongue becomes paralyzes and may hang out and the goat will have great difficulty chewing and swallowing.  If only the blood is affected, excitability and muscle tremors only will be noted.
       What is the treatment?  The drug of choice is tetracycline, preferably by IV.  Treatment must be started early and aggressively if you value your animal.  I don't know how to do IV's so I gave IM shots of Liquamycin LA-200.  The dose I gave was 12cc followed in 48 hrs. by 10cc. and after another 48 hrs., 8cc.  If the doe appeared normal after the first 2 shots, I didn't give a third shot.  On the other hand, if the doe was quite ill, instead of decreasing the dose, I gave 12cc for the second shot and 10cc for the third.  The drug of choice for the blood form is penicillin or gen-strep.  10cc. of 300,000 units of penicillin should be given every 12 hrs. for three days for a 150 lb. goat.  If you're not sure which form you have, it is best to start with LA-200.  If no improvement is noted after 24 hrs., change to penicillin.  If treatment is delayed, even for 12hrs., prognosis for recovery drops dramatically.  If the goat is down, prognosis is poor.  These doses of LA-200 are very high and hard on the kidneys, but were necessary to effectively attack the listeriosis.
      If the goat cannot eat or drink, electrolyte or other liquids must be given.  I had one doe whose face and tongue were paralyzed for over 2 weeks, but she could swallow.  I drenched her with "Bluelite", an electrolyte from PBS, and pureed home-canned green beans.  She didn't like carrots.
      Watch the goat for rumination;if it appears to have ceased, give 2 or 3cc. of B-Complex every 12 hrs. until resumption of cud-chewing.  In several instances, I had to give several Probios boluses to restore rumen function. Probios is also available in a paste form which is fairly palatable to goats.
      LA-200 did not clear the milk in all goats in the same length of time.  If the doe was not very ill it cleared in 2 weeks; others took as long as 4 weeks.  A "snap test" obtained thru MMI, was performed for detection of tetracycline in milk.
      Is it contagious?  Some literature says yes, some no.  I did not isolate and feel the CNS and septicemic forms are not contagious.  The abortion form IS contagious.  Any aborted fetuses must be handled and disposed of carefully as you can get listeriosis from them.  Do not use raw milk from any doe diagnosed with listeriosis.  Don't even feed it to your dogs and cats.  It is safe for consumption after it's been pasteurizes at 165F.
      Although I've never had any formal training, I enjoy the veterinary aspect of working with the goats.  Please remember these observations and recommendations are my own and not intended to replace proper veterinary assistance.
      If your vet is not familiar with goats and you note any of the symptoms of listeriosis in your herd you may want to share this article with him or her.