Doe breathing hard? Please help!

[Tsadiyq]

I just got her a few days ago and have been busy with her. Today I noticed she is breathing hard/rapidly and a bit warm.

She moves around fine, eats browse, hay, grains fine, alert, dry nose, fresh water, baking soda, still moving around and eating, etc...

I used her own food from the previous owners until yesterday, in which, I mixed in my own grains just a bit, and added just a bit more today. So her feed is gradual.

She got into the corn and chicken feed - but it was not much in there, how much does it take before it hurts a doe?

Is this something to be concerned about? If so - what do I do?

[Minelson]

Where are you from? What is the weather like?

[HappyFarmer]

How much is not much? What breed & age is she? How much is she used to getting vs. what she got into?
Where are you and is it hot there? Is she bloated? Is she UTD on her CD/T? What is her temperature? Did she get into any poisonous plants?

Based on the information provided I would ball up some baking soda & place it in her mouth, just in case of bloat, she may not be eating what you provided. If the temps where you are are hot, I would move her to a cooler place.

The activities you described sound normal excepting the breathing. A hot day can make them breathe like that though. Taking her temperature is much better than feeling her skin for warmth.

I would keep an eye on her & if anything changes react, or if any of the questions above are a concern.
HF

[Tsadiyq]

I am in NB, Canada. The weather here is not hot. Very warm. Plenty of shade.

Not much as in half a cup/a cup....

Alpine, 4 years old, she is used to getting 2lbs/day - she did not get into it even that close.

She is taking the baking soda well. I do not have a temperature to check it...will have to get that soon.

It does not look like she is bloated, in what I have read on this forum. She is alert, still eating browse and hay, although I went to milk her and watch for any changes in behavoirs - this time she ate much less grains. Do you think she is having some kind of reaction to the new grains I mixed in with her old grains? I am using alfalfa pellets, whole oats and BOSS.

Poisonous plants? I will have to bring someone here and help me idenify these plants. I do not have any green thumbs, whatsoever, LoL. What is CD/T? I know she was wormed when she kidded - it sounds like the previous owners took good care of her.

Definately will keep an eye on her - I hope she will be okay...

[HappyFarmer]

I would check with the breeder for the CD/T shot. It's a basic shot given here in the states, not sure if Canada offers it or not. chlostridum Perferinges type CD & Tetnus (and I know I spelled that wrong!). covers 2 most common forms plus tetnus toxoid for long term protection. You can call the breeder & ask them if they give it & when. It's cheap insurance.

She may be experiencing some sensitivity to the change in feed. Have you noticed her pellets have been a bit clumped or a bit looser? This happens sometimes when feed is changed. In answer to your question, no, a 1/2 cup is not enough to bother her-a non-issue there. Keep hay out free choice.

If you have any doubt about her getting into something poisonous (getting loose or she starts vomiting) giver her a shot of Tetnus Antitoxin (Toxin NOT toxoid) and some activated charcoal orally. Toxin offers immediate releif, toxoid offers long-term protection. Good stuff to have on hand, and for some treatments there is NO substitute.

I'm still not seeing anything to panic about-unless you get back that she has a temperature (taken rectally) or some change in eating/peeing/pooping.
HF
p.s. If you don't have any antibiotics on hand now would be a good time to get them, just in case this is the start of something like shipping fever or pneumonia.

[Tsadiyq]

Okay - I will look into it.

I am still reading and waiting to hear back from the previous owners.

thanks, HF :0)

[Tsadiyq]

Okay - she seems fine. I suppose it might have been heat. It does not feel that warm to me but I did come from the semi-desert area where it is so dang hot! that it feels normal to me here, when it is actually hot for the goats. :0)

I'm relieved, neverless. :0)

[Minelson]

Glad she is ok...I hate it when one of the critters scares me like that!