Goat with Snotty Nose and Cough

Chickengarden · #1 02/14/13, 08:07 AM

I just got my first goats this past Sunday.
I found a list of questions on this site that I answered below. My basic question is if I should give penicillin or not. I have given vit C and electrolytes. I have been keeping them indoors with only going on 2 short walks.
She is not as snotty as the first 24 hours. She is alert, eating and pooping normally.
Thanks so much for the help.

Temperature? 101.9
Symptoms? phlegmy sounding cough. Coughs occasionally.
When was the last time you wormed? I haven't
Wormed with what and how much? n/a
Is she pregnant? no
When did she last have kids? n/a
Is her milk normal if she is in milk? n/a
What age? 5 mo.
Breed? Nigerian Dwarf
Do you vaccinate? she was by her breeder
What do her lungs sound like when she is breathing? I don't know.
If this is a kid, is it nursing or on a bottle, goat milk or milk replacer? n/a
If a buck is he peeing normally or straining? n/a
Have they had a change of grain? yes. I was not able to get the same kind.
How long have you owned this goat? since Sunday.

prairiedog · #2 02/14/13, 08:16 AM

I would just watch her for now. Keep an eye on the temp it is OK for now. You can give a vit b complex shot and worm. We do that for all new arrivals since the move can cause stress. If she goes off her feed doesn't drink or her temp goes up past 103 then I would would treat.

Crazy Farmgirl · #3 02/14/13, 08:34 AM

I also would keep an eye on her but hold off on antibiotics. I would continue the vit C, add vit B, worm and give probiotic. I would watch the temp, make sure she is eating/drinking and give her some time to adjust. Do they have an area to get outside and get fresh air, if not I would let them get outdoors, fresh air is great for them! If symptoms persist or get worse I would consider antibiotics or vet visit if your not comfortable treating yourself.

Hope you girl feels better soon!

OH, almost forgot......pics?? We must see it to believe it

KrisD · #4 02/14/13, 11:02 AM

I agree with Judy. If the coughing gets worse or the snotty nose gets worse then I use Biomycin or Nuflor.

Chickengarden · #5 02/14/13, 11:30 AM

You all are fantastic. Thank you

I can totally get them outside. I just wasn't sure and wanted to keep things calm and quiet with no stress. They were in a large stall in the barn all cozy with lots of oat straw.
Thanks again.
Here's a photo. I'll get some better ones when I get them outside today.

Alice In TX/MO · #6 02/14/13, 11:56 AM

You do need to deworm them. Cydectin is best.

Here's a link to a page with all the info on deworming products:
http://www.dairygoatinfo.com/index.php?topic=8934.0

Alice In TX/MO · #7 02/14/13, 11:58 AM

Here's a link with a plan for goat care, starting with wee kids.

http://quirkygoatfarm.blogspot.com/

Chickengarden · #8 02/14/13, 12:39 PM

Thanks, Alice!

Chickengarden · #9 02/20/13, 07:37 AM

Just a quick update. Our little doeling is all better. I haven't heard her cough in a few days now and her snotty nose has been gone for that long or longer.
We live 40 min away from an appropriate store and she was showing signs of improvement the following day after receiving the advice on this thread so I did not make a special trip for her to get the probiotics or vit B. I definitely pick these up tho so I can have them on hand.
I also noticed that she began nursing again. When I bought her I also bought her mother. They had not been together since she was weaned. I let her nurse as I was hoping this would aid her recovery.
They have also been spending their days outside. We've had some mild temps (40's) and sunshine so that probably helped, too.
Thanks again for the timely help.