3-legged goat?

lazybee · #1 03/30/06, 11:07 AM

Of course we should end our kidding season with another "this has never happened before" doeling!!! She came out all twisted and her back legs were tucked up in a very funny position- bit of a tough delivery. Her one leg just hangs and it feels as though it is deformed in the upper joint on the leg- there is no connection. Had another friend look at it and she agreed. "Dottie" doesn't complain like she's in pain or anything but we taped it up so it doesn't drag and also to see if the ligaments around it would pull it up tight. She is doing fine, trying to jump around like the rest and very social. She nurses fine but we decided to make her a bottle baby anyway so we could handle her w/o any problems. My question is, has anyone else had a goat that lived a good life on 3 legs? I know dogs can do it but haven't known of any goats. We often have children out here who have physical disabilities and look at Dottie as our inspiration for those children. Do you think we could AI her and she could have kids? I don't think she could hold a buck. Just curious if anyone else has had a similar experience.

stacygoats · #2 03/30/06, 12:10 PM

The practical "me" says wait and see if there is any improvement, if not put her down.

But, were you intending to have the worthless leg amputated or just hang/drag around. I'd have some concern if the leg was left on.

I don't know how big of a herd you have, but at my place she would probably become a easy target for alot of bossy abuse from the other goats.

Good luck!

Lemontreefarm · #3 03/30/06, 12:22 PM

There is a lady in North Carolina the has several Does with 3 Legs - They were all mishaps and she had the legs surgically removed to save the does. Her name is Paula Gavitt of Beaver Dam Nubians (www.beaverdamgoats.com) She could probably answer any of your questions concerning 3 legged goats. Good luck. Keep us informed as to how she is doing.

lazybee · #4 03/30/06, 12:31 PM

Thanks for website- i'll definitely contact that lady! We won't put her down- we have a small herd, under 20. As long as there are no health problems i think she'll do fine, she's pretty fiesty. I will look into amputating- already thot of that cuz it looks funny with the leg just dangling. I do have a vet coming out to see my dogs and cats tomorrow and if they will "cross-over" i will see if they will take a look at her leg!

JasoninMN · #5 03/30/06, 04:37 PM

I know someone who has a three legged pygmy and it does just fine with the other goats. You really would have no idea that the goat only had three legs if you didn't pay close attention to it.