New baby w/ breathing problem

[Fauna]

I have a baby LaMancha that was just born today. I missed the birth (she was 3 days early and unfortunately, I had to work all day). When I got home this eve., he was up and bone dry... seemed ok. I was out with them for a few hours, he didn't seem to want to nurse.

I just went out to milk her and try to bottle feed him and I noticed (this was within the last 1.5 hours this occurred ) that his breathing is now very guttural/raspy sounding. Does this mean he swallowed/inhaled some fluids during the birth?

Should I be extremely concerned? (I am) Is there anything I can do ? I've missed all 3 of my goats kiddings but this is the 1st one that's really got me worried!

Thanks for any help/advice... in advance!
Fauna

[deafgoatlady]

Fauna. I have learned that u can use the homeopathy and it really works for asparations.

Right after the kids born: Antimonium Tart 30c once an hour for couple hours. (prevents asparations)


Try that..

[Vicki McGaugh TX Nubians]

I keep Tylan 50 around during kidding season for this, we call it rattles. Usually one injection is enough to keep the inhaled fluids from cuasing inhalation pnemonia. If the kid won't nurse you might want to give Bo-se and a 400 IU vitamin E capsule everyday for several days, this boost the immune system and a poor sucking reflex can be a signal to you, and the single kid, that you are lacking selenium in your goats diet. White muscle disease usually shows in kids who are not robust nursers and you should heed the warning because it effects all muscles, including the heart. Vicki

[Fauna]

Vicki - If there was a selenium deficiency in my area, wouldn't it have also shown up with the other goats who've kidded? This is only my 3rd kidding (ever) and the other 2 both had uneventful births with very healthy twins.

I actually was able to get in touch with my vet this morning and asked him about the Bo-se (which I don't have and he won't just give out) but he stated that should not be the problem as we aren't in a deficient area. But, I'm wondering if I should still get some from another source if I can and do some kind of soil testing to verify his statement about the deficiency??

The baby does seem to be breathing much better today and is moving around well, but I have yet to really see him nurse. I noticed him try to latch on once, but he didn't really suckle. Vet also said if it was a hard labor sometimes they might come out a little "slow" and take longer to get the sucking reflexes going. So far he doesn't seem to be going downhill yet, and I have been giving him the Vit. E capsules, so I'm hoping he's just been doing some nursing while I'm not there to see it.

Fauna

[Freeholder]

Fauna, you could have a large herd, and see a lot of variation as to how susceptible different individuals were to selenium deficiency, copper deficiency, worms, or anything else that can affect goats. So yes, this kid could be having white muscle even if your others are doing fine.

Kids normally only nurse VERY briefly and quite frequently. You might have to stand there for an hour or so and watch, in order to catch him nursing.

Kathleen

[Backfourty,MI.]

I would definately make sure he latches on to the teat & suckles, he probly is nursing when your not around or a kid that young that wasn't nursing wouldn't probly be getting up either. I would still keep a real close eye on him to make sure he's eating. Glad to hear he's breathing better, I'd still watch him though.