UPDATE on goats.......

Milk n' Honey · #1 09/29/06, 09:46 AM

Well, our buck that we think has Polio is seeming to get better. He started to get worse again so I went back to the Pen G along with all the Vitamin B shots I continued to do. I think he is more alert and paying attention to things instead of acting brain dead. He went straight to the hay to eat it when I brought it to him and acting like he could see where he was going. He even seems to be "talking" some and looks like he is trying to peek out of the fence at the other goats. I do believe things are really looking up where he is concerned.

The little buckling that was laying out in the pasture on the verge of death is actually on his feet this morning. I think it all started with Coccidiosis and then for some reason, he quit nursing...maybe b/c the milk hurt his tummy???? We are in serious need of a creep area. We've been rearranging things trying to make it all work but that is something that hasn't been done and it will be done very soon. Anyway, I gave him a B shot, started another round of Dimethox and gave him some more yogurt. I drenched him with PowerPunch. I brought him into a stall and gave him his own grain, fresh water and hay. He laid in the same spot all day yesterday, out in the middle of the pasture. When he did get up, he could only raise his back end and would crawl around on his front knees. Any attempt to make him stand would result in him collapsing. Well, this morning, after being in the stall and all the treatments, he can stand and walk. Praise God. Maybe he's going to get better. Poor fellow. I feel so bad. He's in the stall for a while now, until he can get stronger.

We had two new babies born two mornings ago and one was dead this morning. They've been nursing a lot. Teats plugged maybe? She feels engorged. They were only about 3-4 lbs. I think they could have been a bit early. Lungs not fully developed maybe? Don't know. I worked with this last one but I don't think she'll make it. I bottle fed her and warmed her up a bit. Also a bit of PowerPunch (1/2 cc). We'll see.

So, a bit of good and bad news. I think I know the problems and know where to go from here at least. Hopefully, my buck won't die on me. That would be the greatest thing.

Thanks to all of you for all your help on everything. I appreciate all your advice and don't know what I would do without you. You are all so gracious.

Blessings,
Christy

Sweet Goats · #2 09/29/06, 10:05 AM

Christy,
WOW you sure have had your hands full. I hope the buck pulls out of it. It sounds like you are doing the right things. I would offer him molasses water also. Or at lease that is what I do and if they want it they really drink it down, it will also give him some energy.
How is the other new baby doing? Have you given it some Nutri drench? I would do that, at least three times a day. Or at least that is what I would do. Good luck. Keep us posted.

SherrieC · #3 09/29/06, 10:13 AM

with your little tiny babies, I had two sets this year 4 lber's who were born early No teeth sticking through at all one week early,, and triplets born right on schedule who the smallest was 13 oz her bigger sister was two lbs the buck 5 lbs, they had teeth at birth. So check the little babies mouth for teeth, no teeth early, teeth on time, half way out maybe a few days early.

You'll have better luck next year, and you'll about be an expert! On things like prevention, and schedules and treating . I've had goats 12 years now + and havent yet had to deal with many problems but I've always kept my herd pretty small, and have always had those babies on pastuer ized milk, and a schedule. The adults on a schedule of shots and worming, not that they get much, maybe spring and fall usually, but they are on schedule.

Milk n' Honey · #4 09/29/06, 10:16 AM

She has teeth so I guess she's on time and just tiny!! Weird....maybe she just wasn't getting any milk out then.

chamoisee · #5 09/29/06, 10:44 AM

I hate to have to say this, but the cocci buck probably won't ever get much better. He might start walking around again, but basically, he's toast. Even if he lives, he won't thrive, and the other goats, seeing this, will shove him away from the food, so you'll have to baby him in his own pen, and he still won't do better and will always make you feel sad for his 'starving african baby' appearance. I think you should put him down or get someone else to do it for you. I know it is sad, but the slow decline into starvation (the gut can't absorb nutrients) will be even more heartbreaking.

Sweet Goats · #6 09/29/06, 01:37 PM

I have seen goats recover just fine from a very bad case of cocci. I would not put him down. But that is my opinion. I would do what your heart tells you to do.

Idahoe · #7 09/29/06, 09:31 PM

Have you tried to milk the mom to see if there are any problems with the milk flow?

AllWolf · #8 09/30/06, 02:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sweet Goats

I have seen goats recover just fine from a very bad case of cocci. I would not put him down. But that is my opinion. I would do what your heart tells you to do.

BINGO I agree with you on that comment about goats recover just fine form a very bad case of Cocci.. I have proof of that one..

I even stated in another topic about this..

Good Luck on your goats..

moonspinner · #9 09/30/06, 08:49 AM

One of the first does I purchased had a severe cocci bout to the extent it stunted her growth. Now six years later she has remained in great health and routinely throws healthy triplets. So they CAN recover and do well.