1 baby gone, mastitis in doe?

cindysueg · #1 05/21/08, 11:42 AM

Doe had 2 kids a week ago... Husband told me this morning that last night when he checked on both that 1 was acting weak. I am kicking myself this morning for not going out last night. Doe's udder is hard but I milked the left quarter out and got quite a bit of milk out. Right side does not have much. Could she be not producing enough oy maybe mastitis? Last baby seems to have a full belly. I would greatly appreciate any suggestions. Possible just get rid of these dog gone goats... My four year old is still crying over the loss of the little one.

crazygoatgal · #2 05/21/08, 11:48 AM

I am so sorry for you and your family. Can you tell us what your husband observed when he saw that the kid was "weak"? I'm not sure I can help, but I know someone here can and will. Good luck.

cindysueg · #3 05/21/08, 11:55 AM

Thank you goat gal... Husband said that his head was down and not up walking around like his sibling. He also said that the other kids was up nibbiling at hay... I think that is leading me to believe that doe is not giving enough milk? At a week old, would they be picking at some hay? This morning when I milked the doe, I tried to give the kid a bottle but after an hour or so of just chewing on it, he got up ran over to the doe and nursed. I have yet to vaccinate them, was planning to do it this weekend.

Zone · #4 05/21/08, 12:18 PM

First of all, I'd like to say that I am VERY sorry that you lost the kid. That is very hard to take.

Kids can chew on hay at two days old so it is just fine. The likely reason why one side of the doe's udder was hard is because the kid is only nursing off of one side and the hard side is just very full. You will need to milk her out on that side probably twice a day. Check the consistency of the milk. If it is not chunky or like cottage cheeze and looks like regular old milk it is probably fine. Feel her udder. Is it really hot like a fever hot? Not good. It will naturally be warm. Better yet, take the does temperature. It should be around 102.

I would not worry so much. Others more experienced than I can give you more tips and what to look for, check for. Sounds like the remaining kid is eating fine and probably will not need a bottle.
A shot of BoSe would be good, if you have not done so already.

Don't forget to worm your doe.

I'm sure there are other things to tell you but my brain is fried at the moment. I'll let someone else add anything new.