cat's claw(Uncaria tomentosa) to rehab after coccidiosis

[Clovers_Clan]

I just purchased two young doelings(3 months) from someone who had rescued a herd from severe neglect. They tested negative on all major diseases and been treated for worms(clean fecal). Their major issue was malnutrition and coccidia. The coccidiosis has been treated and the goats are recovering, but I'm certain there has been damage. Their appetites are good but I'm concerned about intestinal scar tissue reducing nutrient absorption. I read an article about the use of cat's claw(Uncaria tomentosa) as an anti-inflammatory to aid healing. Can't find much in the way of studies though. Has anyone tried it? Or seen any information? Any other recommendations for boosting immune system or aftercare for healing?

[Ford Zoo]

I don't know anything about cat's claw, but Vit B helps stimulate appetite and convert feed to energy better, also helps antibiotics work better. Probably wouldn't hurt to add some as a supplement.

I had a kid doeling with cocci a few years back, she recovered fine but is petite compared to the others.

[andabigmac]

My son had an intestinal infection last summer and the doctor told him to drink kefir every day. He said he has all of his crohn's, ulcer, etc patient use it because it helps bowels heal even from the heavy scarring of crohn's. Maybe you could give them a small syringe a day.

As for Cat's Claw we used to sell a ton to cancer patients. There was a blend of that, astragulus, and reishi that the naturopath in town prescribed. Here are my only concerns. It can act as a blood thinner/anti-coagulant. Baby goats being baby goats are a bit rowdy. I would worry about bruising and clotting problems if you used too much. It will also induce abortion. If these are breeding girls you may have problems getting them pregnant if you wanted to use it long term. I'm thinking the dose of the blend we sold which was Cat's Claw/Astragulus/Reishi was 2 droppers full of this tincture a day for an adult. A dropper held about 25 drops. A rough third of the tincture was Cat's Claw. You'll have to do your own math on how much a dose would be a day because my eyes are starting to glaze over.

Have you thought about feeding them comfrey? Comfrey has some amazing healing and regenerative properties. Aloe vera juice is supposed to work wonders for the bowels too. Just some more food for thought.

[TroutRiver]

I give aloe juice to most of my animals if they are recovering from any illness or injury, especially if I think there might be internal damage. You can give it in a drench or add it to their water.

My alpine buck sustained a head injury a couple weeks ago, and I gave him a daily drench of aloe juice, probiotics, b vitamins, fresh comfrey leaves, honey and an herbal antioxidant tincture that I make, all blended together in a food processor. He loved it (came running up to me when he saw me coming with the drench syringe!) and I really do believe it helped him to heal and recover faster. Recovery was slow for the first couple days after his fall, but then sped up exponentially. After about 5 days he seemed to be 100% back to normal, but I continued the daily "super"drench for about a week and a half, just to be safe.

comfrey is amazing for healing damaged tissue. The tincture that I use is of cayenne, garlic, echinacea and goldenseal. It is really some amazing stuff, I use it in conjunction with almost any treatment for almost any ailment. I usually mix it with aloe juice and give it in a drench. I swear I even see improvement in coat quality, and they always look so healthy and vibrant after giving it a few days in a row

[Clovers_Clan]

Thank you all for the suggestions! I wish I had comfrey growing in my garden. I couldn't find an affordable source to plant it this year. I have been feeding them lots of narrow leaf plantain, bitter dock, lamb's quarter, passion flower and dry oak leaves. That seems to be stimulating their appetite and I have noticed a difference in their demeanor. I do believe they are in less pain, especially the weakest one; she has more of a spark in her eye now. They have an incredible appetite! I fear this may be more about their lack of absorption. Poo is normal in color and consistency.

This is my first time treating a sick goat. And they are INCREDIBLY thin. Any advise about what I should expect? What milestones and set backs should I watch for. I will jump for joy if/when these girls reach the point where they can simply play like normal kids.

[Clovers_Clan]

Great news. They are beginning to turn around. Today Faith was jumping around and playing! Such a hugh improvement in just one week.

[andabigmac]

It's amazing what some good groceries can do! It should be all up hill from here on.