1 wk old kid with labored breathing & not eating

Mommyto5 · #1 02/02/11, 01:23 AM

Hi everyone!

Our little buckling, born last Monday, (who you were all so gracious to help me get jumpstarted) has been doing pretty well. He's been eating really well, which has been encouraging. He's been spending his days in the barn with his mama, then coming into the house at night so I don't have to go out at the crack of dawn to feed him. It seems to be working pretty well, though I have to admit I've been concerned about taking him from the warm house to the cold barn and back. (he has a heatlamp in the barn which he loves to lay under, so he is warm) However, today, he hasn't really eaten much and he's kind of sounding "stuffy" when he breathes. I thought he might have a cold since I did see a little clear drainage on his nose. What do you think? Does it sound like a cold? He's only gained ONE pound in a week, so despite his good eating, he's not really gaining weight. He really can't afford to not eat for an entire day. Unfortunately, he is downright determined to NOT eat!!! Despite prying his mouth open, and holding the bottle there, he's only had about 11 ounces all day. He was taking about 30 ounces/day. Any thoughts? (I just gave him a vit. E, hoping that would help!)

Thank you in advance for taking the time to help me...AGAIN!

Laverne · #2 02/02/11, 02:55 AM

You need to take his temperature. 102-103 is normal. If it's 104 or more I'd start Biomycin 3.5 cc per 100 lbs, so doesn't take much for a little kid. It needs given sub Q for 10 days. May need tube fed the milk. i would keep him in consistant warmth till better.

Backfourty,MI. · #3 02/02/11, 06:34 AM

So are you bottle feeding him at night in the house & then he's with his momma all day & suckling from her?

I agree if he's got a temp I would start antibiotics right away. Then keep him in the barn with momma all the time if she's feeding him or in the house all the time if your bottle feeding him.
If your keeping him with momma all the time you can cut an old sweatshirt sleeve & make him a coat, make sure his belly is not all covered so when he pee's he doesn't get his coat all wet.