Lump...CL Scare?

HildebrandAcres · #1 03/13/13, 08:46 AM

Hi Everyone! I have been a long time lurker and in January got my first 2 does, both bred and due in april and may. They are La Manchas and are great fun!

Wanting to add to my herd I found a Nubian doe that freshened last sunday. We got her friday night and the breeder told me she had a small pea sized lump on her cheek that her vet lanced and concluded was an abcess from a thorn or splinter. No risk for CL, the breeder has never had CL. She tested back in 2010 but because of the unreliability of the test hasnt since.Where the vet lanced the abcess has swelled.

The swelling is on the jaw bone about 3 inches long. the breeder said to do warm compresses and try to squeeze out any pus. We got a dime size amount of pus on saturday morning and by night none. It was jelly like and smelly. the cut had healed but the swelling was still there. I called my vet and had her come out yesterday. She lanced it again, tried to withdraw the contents but only got enough pus to fill the needle tip. She said its not in the typical CL location, no other lumps on her body. She drew blood to send to Texas, said she would try to culture the pus she did get. She said the swelling is not filled with pus.

Any opinions?? Being just new to goats I am wondering if i made a mistake. She also said it could be swelled because of bacteria entering the cut. I would feel like the worst person ever if I infected my two other perfectly healthy bred goats. She is separated but they have walked around together to get used to each other.

KrisD · #2 03/13/13, 11:47 AM

First relax, most abscesses are not CL. CL lumps also generally occur near the lymph nodes or on organs. Always handle all abscesses with gloves on just in case. Wash you hands after. Goats do get lumps and bumps from being goats. The fact that it's not actually draining is good because if it is CL it's less exposure but it probably isn't CL. Goats get little staph infections and such just like we do from things like cheat grass and thorns etc. hugs it'll be ok.

Blue Run Farm · #3 03/13/13, 12:04 PM

It doesn't sound like CL to me. You said the pus is smelly and jelly like. CL pus is usually thick like toothpaste and I don't think it is smelly. That sounds more like infection to me, but I am no expert. Glad the vet it culturing it just in case, but I wouldn't be totally panicky either.

**mygoat** · #4 03/13/13, 12:14 PM

Generally CL abscess pus is thick and whitish or pale greenish. Think cottage cheese, lol.

Chances are, it's a 'normal' abscess.

If you feel it's bothersome, perhaps lance the abscess instead of aspirating it. Vet can do this - rinse well with iodine. Perhaps use antibiotics.

Minelson · #5 03/13/13, 05:21 PM

I would have a culture done...even if you have to let some ''build up'' to culture. It probably isn't CL but if you are anything like me it will bug you and you don't want to be obsessing over it. The sooner you know the better. In the meantime I would keep her quarantined. The vets here are very laxidasil (i have no clue hoe to spell that or if it is even a word) about CL. When I had a scare they though I was a nutcase to even want a culture done!
(((hugs)))

CarolT · #6 03/13/13, 09:50 PM

Lackadaisical: Lacking spirit, liveliness or interest

Trivia nut, I admit it!

HildebrandAcres · #7 03/20/13, 09:24 AM

THE TEST WAS NEGATIVE!!! yay!!! I am glad I have been saving her milk and freezing for babies if she was clean

The vet wants us to give her pen for 3 days to clear up any lingering infection...stinks to have to throw away milk for 14 days but at least after that we are home free

Thanks for all the support, I was sweating these last few days

Minelson · #8 03/20/13, 01:56 PM

ahhhhhhhhh! What a relief!!

I am happy for you!

mammabooh · #9 03/20/13, 02:16 PM

Congrats...so glad to hear the good results!

motdaugrnds · #10 03/20/13, 02:22 PM

Great! It is always nice to know for sure, especially being a new goat owner.

One thing I do that was not mentioned here is to drench it. After the lancing, sometimes an infection occurs or what is there is not thoroughly gotten out. If I have to lance any such spot, I make sure it is as empty as possible, then I dilute some Iodine and drench inside that spot with a syringe.

Crazy Farmgirl · #11 03/20/13, 02:32 PM

YAY! Glad you got good news!! Always a relief!!

Alice In TX/MO · #12 03/20/13, 02:40 PM

You don't have to throw away the milk for fourteen days. Just label it that she's on meds. Perfectly safe for goat kids.