Friend needing help with her goat...

Tamar · #1 07/22/11, 11:06 AM

Hi all,

A friend called me this morning and I couldn't help her but promised her I'd ask here.

Her 4 yr old Saanen/Boer delivered 6 weeks ago, a healthy buckling. The last two weeks she's getting less and less milk, and her rumen side is extended. She is not in discomfort meaning she's not crying, she has regular poo, she is only grazing and eating hay, but her rumen is very large and she doesn't really have a great appetite.

She offers baking soda freely to all her goats and this one like the rest nibble occasionally. They are all wormed so that's not an issue either.

Anyone have any ideas what would cause her to look like she's carrying triplets?

Thanks for any help, blessings,
Tamar

Goat Servant · #2 07/22/11, 01:39 PM

Can you get a pic of her? I had a % with distended rumen I mean she was huge on both sides all year round.
Is she getting any grain to up her milk production?

Minelson · #3 07/22/11, 05:38 PM

I would rule out worms with a fecal test. I would force baking soda and massage her tummy. I would steal cud from a healthy goat and give it to her.

motdaugrnds · #4 07/22/11, 06:16 PM

Minelson, out of curiosity, how do you steal cud from a healthy goat?

Donna1982 · #5 07/22/11, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by motdaugrnds

Minelson, out of curiosity, how do you steal cud from a healthy goat?

I was wondering the same thing.

Tamar · #6 07/22/11, 07:45 PM

Hey that cud idea is a good one! Stealing cud is NOT easy and require super quick fingers! You watch and as soon as they bring up a fresh cud you open up and get into that cheek and steal it, but they'll try to bite and if they succeed..........OUCH! Don't get caught!!

Will tell her to try that. She wasn't offering grain bc she was worried about her bloating on top of her swollen rumen.

I'll see what she says, I think it's a great idea. Btw, we've done it with babies that bloated, robbed cud and gave a small portion to the kid successfully.

thanks again,
Tam