Help with triplets

HomesteadBaker · #1 05/02/08, 09:06 AM

My part saanen doe delivered triplets early this morning. I don't think her nutrition has not been the greatest during her pregnancy, her coat is rough. I am concerned about the kids... at least 2 of them seem to have something going on with their feet/legs. It is like they are walking on the back of their leg rather than on the bottom of their hoof. They have had some colostrum from mama (there was not much, maybe 10-12 oz), and seem fine other than the foot problem. I have never seen anything like it before? Does anyone know what it is and what I can do?

Also, is there anything else that can be used on navals besides iodine?

Thanks.
Kitty

JB114 · #2 05/02/08, 09:21 AM

is it the back or front of there legs. could be contracted tendens, if it is usually works it self out in a week. can you take a picture of the babys and post it?

HomesteadBaker · #3 05/02/08, 09:24 AM

It is both front and back feet. One of the little guys is having problems getting to his feet, he has only managed it one time for a few seconds.

Kitty

thaiblue12 · #4 05/02/08, 10:08 AM

I wonder if Bo-Se would help? Are you in a selenium poor area? I am not so I have no experience with it. Maybe they were really crowded in there and their legs need time but that shot can't hurt.
Congrats on your new babies. I hope they are up and doing well soon.

nubiansinny · #5 05/02/08, 10:12 AM

they may need some selinium. Do you use loose minerals? or give BOSE?
How is the doe ? up and eating? temp? What were you feeding her?
All these answers should tell you whats wrong.
Good luck and let us know

HomesteadBaker · #6 05/02/08, 10:46 AM

Here is a pic of one of the kids, you can see how is feet are.
Help with triplets - Goats

The does seems to be ok. She was up after they were born and ate a bit of hay.

Kitty

deafgoatlady · #7 05/02/08, 11:07 AM

I had one doeling just like that and within few days it went back normal. It was scary looky. It did scared me. I think it is becuz they were crammed up inside of momma's belly..

HomesteadBaker · #8 05/02/08, 11:25 AM

They just don't seem as robust and vigorous as last year's kids. I don't know.... maybe I just worry too much.

Kitty

fishhead · #9 05/02/08, 12:28 PM

The tendons and other stuff in the joints is pretty flexible after birth. I've read lots of postings about kids with weird legs right after birth and they've all turned out just fine.

It would help to know the does nutrition (food and minerals). And worming history.

southerngurl · #10 05/02/08, 12:31 PM

I think Bo-se would help.

HomesteadBaker · #11 05/02/08, 12:39 PM

I have loose minerals out for the goats... but they don't eat them. Since they have been with me, they get alfalfa hay twice a day. This doe has not gotten any grain since she was dried off in late Jan or Feb. There is a mineral block in the pen that they do eat... go figure.

Thanks.
Kitty

fishhead · #12 05/02/08, 01:08 PM

Most goats won't eat enough of a mineral block and I think some blocks have molasses.

What's the copper content of the loose minerals?

I switched brands of loose minerals last year and my goats eat a lot more so brand makes a difference.

Do your goats have free choice baking soda?

HomesteadBaker · #13 05/02/08, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishhead

Most goats won't eat enough of a mineral block and I think some blocks have molasses.

What's the copper content of the loose minerals?

I switched brands of loose minerals last year and my goats eat a lot more so brand makes a difference.

Do your goats have free choice baking soda?

I don't remember what the copper content of the loose minerals is.... I think 1700, if I recall correctly. I got it because it was the ONLY goat mineral I could find here. What kind do you use?

Kitty

**mygoat** · #14 05/02/08, 01:53 PM

Give BoSe 4 weeks before kidding, and also 1/2cc per kid at birth.

Free choice, low salt minerals - sweetlix meatmaker is a good kind.

Also, dairy goats need grain in late pregnancy and through lactation. Her lack of good nutrition might be the reason for the dull hair. My does stay nice and glossy through the year, with my minis getting grain 2 weeks before and after kidding, and my dairies 2 weeks pre and through lactation, 1 lb per 3 lbs milk.

HomesteadBaker · #15 05/02/08, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mygoat

Give BoSe 4 weeks before kidding, and also 1/2cc per kid at birth.

Free choice, low salt minerals - sweetlix meatmaker is a good kind.

Also, dairy goats need grain in late pregnancy and through lactation. Her lack of good nutrition might be the reason for the dull hair. My does stay nice and glossy through the year, with my minis getting grain 2 weeks before and after kidding, and my dairies 2 weeks pre and through lactation, 1 lb per 3 lbs milk.

Is Bo-Se available at the feed store? Or do I have to go through a vet?

Kitty

**mygoat** · #16 05/02/08, 02:45 PM

It is Rx only, so yes, you will need to go through a vet. If you call and ask, they usually will sell you an entire bottle, which will last for a while.

HomesteadBaker · #17 05/02/08, 03:36 PM

There is a possibility that they may be a bit premature, too.... I don't know the exact date of breeding, but the buck was put in with them on 12/10 so she was on day 144 at the earliest if she was bred the first day he was in with her.

Thanks for the replies!

Kitty

southerngurl · #18 05/02/08, 03:58 PM

Let us know how they do. And did you worm her? With her possibly not being in the greatest health anyway, and kidding, she will have a worm population explosion. The stress of kidding cues the worms to start up.

And yes, get a good mineral that they will actually eat. What kind do you have? Probably Purina goat mineral, goats seem to hate it, and it's very high in salt.

Don't be afraid to look at the horse and cattle minerals. Something low salt, high copper (1500 or more) and not a red mineral if possible (the iron oxide can bind with other minerals). If it has kelp that's good too.

I've actually been giving mine a mineral for horses, ADM Grostrong, but it's pricey. It has 3600 ppm copper. But it also has artificial flavors in it.

**mygoat** · #19 05/02/08, 05:53 PM

Day 144 is not abnormally early - I've had does go as early as a week before, no problems. I usually start checking my does a week before duedate 2x per day as lots of mine go early.

The leg problems are VERY common - I don't think I've ever had a birthing where all kids had fully functioning legs for the first day or so. They usually have awkward bending joints from being cramped. But, they always seem to straighten out. I agree, though, the kid's legs are a bit extreme and while I think they will straighten, starting BoSe in your herd is a good idea.

For goats, BoSe is given at a rate of 1cc per 40 lbs to preggo does at 4 months - give CD/T then too, if your vaccinate. Bucks receive it 1x per year as well as yearlings, wethers, or dry animals. Also give the kids 1/2 cc at birth. I usually give my mini kids 1/4 cc because they're smaller.