Dolly's mastitis update

[TRAILRIDER]

Thanks everyone for your comments and advice. Even though my vet told me Dolly didn't have mastitis,based on the quality of her milk and other signs, I still wasn't sure. So I got a second opinion from a goat breeder friend (who originally sold me Dolly).
My friend said one of her does had subclinical mastitis. Had all the same symptoms, no fever, no loss of appetite, no change in milk quality, but did have overly firm spots in her udder. She told me to give Dolly Bio-Mycin, 5ccs three times, 36 hours between each. Also to use very warm compresses with diluted epsom salts when I massaged her udder. And to use Today teat infusion after one milking, then again after milking 12 hrs later. And pull her kids for bottle raising.
So, I've been doing all that. And I have a real appreciation for those having to bottle feed babies that were mother raised at first and are fighting the change. I had one baby that took his bottle right away, one who fought for a couple of feedings before figuring it out, and another that really fought! Now all three are taking their bottles easily.
I'm thrilled to say Dolly is much, much better this morning : ) We still have another shot to go in 36 more hrs. And have to wait 96 hours after that before using her milk. But she is giving me about 3/4 of a gallon at each milking and she doesn't fuss about being milked. She seems so much more comfortable. Sometimes a friend with lots of experience is more helpful than a vet.

[Minelson]

Good to hear that Molly is better! And you might want to bake some cookies for that friend that helped you

[TRAILRIDER]

Thanks Minelson, yes I'm very grateful. I was thinking about a thank you note and a gift certificate to Hoeggers. Dolly is my favorite doe and I'm sure glad to see her coming around. This is her second time freshening and I'm encouraged by her milk production so far. When she is through with this bout of mastitis I think she will be a super milker. And so far, her babies are doing great on their bottles.