Possible Bloat!!! Help!!!

[exegeses]

OK - one of the kids (people kind) left the door open in the duck house, and this evening the goats (4 of them - 2 adults, 2 kids) found the barrel of chopped corn - that we give the ducks - and finished it off. There was somewhere between 5 - 10 lbs. left in the bottom. The goats have NOT been on any grain at all - just forage and good hay ... can I expect bloat?

In the event it DOES happen - what do I do? I've searched a bit, and it seems if they do end up with it, it will be 'dry' bloat. The things I've read about giving oil to them ... is that only for the frothy bloat, or will it work for this too? (No one was clear on that.) I've already taken away their water (found a reference that the liquid will cause -more- fermentation - is this right?) and given them as much baking soda as they wanted - which wasn't much - only one ate any. What else should I be prepared to do?

If oil is needed, what's best? Peanut, corn, canola? I think I have those. Someone said DON'T use mineral oil, others say ONLY use mineral oil. (I don't have any anyway.) Someone also said to mix the oil with molasses and karo syrup so they'll eat it. Is there also a purpose to the molasses? I've got plenty of that, no karo.

Do I need to mix up something like this and give it to them BEFORE I notice any symptoms, kind of head it off? If so, I'm sure I should add some baking soda.

Thanks for you help ... needless to say, I'm a bit worried!!!

[oberhaslikid]

I would make sure a container of Baking soda is available at all times they will take in what they need.I dump 4 boxes at a time into my does pen. I would just watch them .They may go off feed when they start to not feel well.Then they may not show any symptoms.If you one showing and refuse they soda. I have mixed it with water and forced it.But usually dont have too.

[PurpleMartineer]

My wether bloated recently. I didnt know he was bloated for certain until he wasnt anymore (after his belly got smaller), and I dont know what he got into, but like you, I have ducks and they could have gotten into some corn DH was feeding them.

Mine went off feed and was in obvious pain by the second afternoon of not eating. I gave him probios, vegetable oil (40 mls), a baking soda ball (mix baking soda with a bit of water til it forms a ball then force it in), also gave him a vitamin b shot and a major rumen massage. He was well again after about 2-3 hours.

I am not sure what it was that made him better, but if it ever happens again, this is the regimen I will stick with.

I hope your goats are ok!

Best,
Alisa~

[goatkid]

The oil you use for bloat is mineral oil. You tube them with it or have your vet do it. There is also something called Therabloat sold at some feed stores. Don't give them molasses. The corn they're not used to will already cause enough change in the rumen. Molasses is not good for a goat's rumen and could only cause more problems. I'd also give them all a dose of C&D antitoxin 10cc subQ, 10cc orally. I've never heard of taking away their water. Goats can't live without water. Maybe OK for overnite, but then they will need something to drink.

[fishhead]

How are they doing today?

I would guess that the larger goats ate most of it. They aren't real good at sharing grain.

That would be a lot of grain and if it were me I would give them Milk of Magnesia or oil to flush the grain through them followed by probios, grass hay and water.

They can founder from too much grain so bloat isn't the only thing to be concerned about.

If you don't have it on hand I would get some thiamine (from vet) or at least B complex (over the counter) shots ready.

[Qvrfullmidwife]

Oil, lots of it. Any oil will do, safflower oil, veggie oil, any kind.

Baking soda, or therabloat

CD antitoxin both orally and SQ

We had a similar break in a few weeks ago. Lost one, two significantly impacted, nearly lost one of them.

Antihistimine as they can have a histimine reaction leading to swelling--we had one whose eyes swelled totally shut.

[Qvrfullmidwife]

"In the event it DOES happen - what do I do?"

for the record I would never wait and see if it does happen, I would take action as soon as you know that they got into the grain.