2 single kids w/possible Floppy Kid Syndrome

[Milk n' Honey]

I have two does who each kidded with single doelings. Both of these doelings are lethargic and standing arched with crooked tails. They are still nursing off their Moms but are just not "right." I've been reading up on FKS and it sounds a lot like what they are doing. They are singles and if too much milk can cause this, I'd come nearer understanding it being with singles who have no siblings to fight over teats with. One of the does has an enourmous udder, especially for a first freshener. I'm just wondering if anyone else has had any experience with Floppy Kid Syndrome?? These kids are a couple of days old. They were born weaker than the other kids too, I might add. One of them I had to do some pulling to help w/the birth but I wouldn't think that hurt her. I could take a picture of the doelings, if it would help. I'm going to go out and give some baking soda water, as advised by a FKS article.

[wooly1s]

Have you tried a baking soda drench on the babies?

[wooly1s]

1/2 tsp of baking soda given orally in cold water

[Milk n' Honey]

I just came in from doing just that. I mixed 1 tsp in 8 oz of water and drew 20 cc out and gave that to one of the babies. That was the instructions I had from an article I read. I tried to get it all down her and she got most of it. Now we'll see how she is in the morning. One thing that should be good is that she isn't in kidding pen anymore so she'll get less milk. She does have a very full tummy. I bet it is FKS. The other one isn't as bad but she has crusty eyes which I thought was weird. Hmmmm......it is always a guessing game!! I'll be sure to give an update tomorrow. I'll check on her in the morning and if needed, I'll drench her again.

[nubiansinny]

just had this problem with a friends goat. Hard delivery of trips.2 pulled last one came easy. lost the biggest one a buck the first night. next biggest doe the next night.smallest and last born was pretty down when i got her.quite and not very hungry.got some milk in her and she acted like she had a belly ache. I gave her peto. it worked great! I think she was just starting so we got her in time. gave selinium too. took afew days for her to get her bounce back but now we can't keep her in the playpen

[Milk n' Honey]

Well, maybe they'll be OK then. I wanted to start with the baking soda. I can try the Pepto tomorrow. I hate giving them too much at this age but something has to give!!

[wooly1s]

Are you confident that they have adequate selenium? We are deficient in our area. I free feed goat mineral all year, except winter when I "treat" them to pressed block minerals (with protein and molasses). They never refuse pressed block (who would? It's expensive!!!) so I know they are getting good selenium in the last trimester, even if they had not eaten loose salt earlier...
If it is selenium, you will need a BoSe shot, and you can buy it from the vet. We once had a kid that we thought was FKS, and it was actually a Thiamine deficiency. Vet gave us a shot of Thiamine to try, and it was a miracle! Don't know if it can have adverse effects, might be worth asking!!!
Here is a weblink with a bunch of advice for weak kids:
http://www.goatwisdom.com/ch1baby_care/wimpykid.html
Hope the baking soda did the trick!!!

[billygoatridge]

I'm not 100% sure because I've not had experiense with floppy kid syndrome, but from the articles I've read on it they have no muscle control to stand or nurse. It sounds as if yours is standing. With the crusty eyes I would come near guessing a cold or pneumonia. IF they got colostrum and are nursing they might just be on the cool side. Is it any wonder going from 60 degrees friday to a cold,damp east wind today? I hope they pull out of it.

[goatkid]

When a baby is standing hunched, I also check to be sure it is pooping. For FKS we give baking soda and Pepto.

[sungirl]

Floppy Kid will start at day 2-3. Give 1/4 cc of selenium. DO NOT OVER DOSE!

Patty