More questions about my goat

[beccachow]

She is still holding her own. She has some pain reflexes in her back legs, but they are still useless. I currently have her on high dose Vitamin B1, 3x a day, Ivomec injectable 2cc 2x per day, and banamine 1 cc 2x a day. She has been on the banamine for 2 days, the Ivomec for 2 days. I understand I do not want to keep her on Banamine for extended periods of time, 5 days max, right? Is there something else other than the dex I can give for possible brain/spine swelling? As in Advil, etc? And how long should I treat her with the Ivomec, if this was in fact Meningeal Worm, and she had a devastating infestation? I guess what I am asking, though I know it is hard to answer, is how long will the buggers remain alive and cause swelling? I need to know if I am now dealing with rehab (if possible) or still with a disease process?

Thank you all in advance.

[beccachow]

Wanted to add, she is purely a pet, no showing or breeding was ever planned for her. I also have plans for how I can keep her seperate, or maybe with an older female if she gets over this. If she ends up with deficits, gimps, head tilt I don't care, as long as she is not in pain.

[BethW]

Oh, poor little girl. I'm sure someone with experience will come along and help you out, but I wanted to say I'm rooting for you both

[Vicki McGaugh TX Nubians]

You can't continue the Ivermectin, and given at the correct dose it already killed the adult who set up housekeeping in the spinal cord. You will destroy her liver by using meds lik this. Her being up if it is menengial worm is dependant upon steroids that bring the swelling down once the protozoa is killed. Same with polio, if this was polio the correct dosages of thiamin given often enough, she would already be up. If this is neurological and not and injury than Dex and Banamine are the drugs up choice. Nothing given orally in a goat who has four stomachs will make it's way into the system like it does with single stomached animals.

If after treatments for both polio and menengial worm (which is not a common problem at all, especially the closer you get to freezes in your area) than you have a missdiagnosis here. Has she been injured? Bred recently? And like Susanne said, do you allow your children to ride her...very good point we often overlook. Vicki

[beccachow]

My daughter has shown remarkably little interest in the goats, and I have never seen her try to ride any of them. That is a good point.

She hadn't been bred, but I am worrying now it is an injury after all. All my attempts are failing. The vet left me with 5 days worth of dex. I am coming to terms with the fact that I will probably be putting my brave sweet girl to rest within the next week. It is so hard to do when she looks at me with those big eyes. Her mentation has not changed at all. She is perfectly alert and aware and loving all the attention. That is why I have been dragging my feet. It is hard to give up on an animal that hasn't given up herself. But whatever this is, I am afraid it is just too far gone, thanks I am afraid to multiple misdiagnosis when she needed urgent, critical attention. I am now more aware of what can go wrong, and will be looking for it for fast interventions.

I will discontinue the meds now, except the dex. I am hoping for a miracle but coming to the realization that she cannot go on like this. Whether she is in pain or not, a goat was made to run, not lay in a stall. Please keep her in your prayers. I will try some goat rehab over the next few days, but if no improvement I will just have to face facts.

Thank you one and all for your thoughts and kind advice. Thank you as well for not flaming me for trying everything. I want to know that I did everything, approached from all angles before I let her go.

[Minelson]

Big hugs to you.... Only you will know if and when it will be time. I support you in your decision either way. I will pray for a miracle.