Goat Friend Needs Advice

LearningLife · #1 04/08/13, 06:58 PM

I sold two wethers to a friend of my sister last year, and she has been wonderful about asking for help and advice when she needs it. She also sends me pictures and keeps me updated on their lives. She's very good to them, and now she needs a little help that I can't really give because we've never had this issue. One of the boys seems to have injured one of his front legs. There is small abrasion just above the hoof, and it looks like there's a little swelling. He won't put any weight on the leg, and she's a little worried. All of the joints move fine and freely, there is no fever or sign of infection, and she doesn't think anything's broken. I'm thinking that he has sprained it. Is there something that she could do to ease the pain and speed recovery? She will get him to the vet if it seems necessary.

Thanks.

GoldenWood Farm · #2 04/08/13, 07:28 PM

I would keep him confined in a small area so he isn't stressing the foot by walking around on it. Pain isn't always a bad thing as long as he isn't majorly stressed by it and is still eating good, pain keeps them for over using the affected appendage. If he was my wether I would confine him for a few days and keep an eye on it to see if he starts improving. If he didn't show any signs of improving within a week I would haul him in to the vet for a check up.

Justine

Backfourty,MI. · #3 04/08/13, 07:30 PM

I would make sure & keep the hoof clean & dry. After cleaning it with a antibacterial soap or something similar I would put Tri-Care or Blue Kote on it to keep it clean & germ free.

She can give him a little Banamine if she has it but it's RX only. That will help with the pain & swelling but should only be given for 3 days.

Sounds like maybe he was playing with his buddies & stumbled, scraped the leg above the hoof & probably sprained it in the process.
I would try & keep a close eye on him other than the above if he were here.

Crazy Farmgirl · #4 04/08/13, 07:41 PM

Horse liniment is great for "sore" issues with muscles and joints. Sounds like he needs some tlc and a small area to rest a bit and will be back to normal in no time

luckyinkentucky · #5 04/08/13, 08:25 PM

When my buck hurt his foot LA 200 helped him a great deal. Gave him 4cc at a time ( 2cc on each side of the neck IM) every 72 hours. Since he has an abrasion, it may help, at least keep an infection from setting up in his leg. I gave him probios the day after he got the LA each time. After I started dosing him like this I saw an improvement the day after his first dose. Good luck, I know how hard these injuries can be to figure out. It took me 2 trips to the vet to get that far with my buck.

GoldenWood Farm · #6 04/08/13, 08:39 PM

I would hesitate at giving any type of antibiotic if he isn't running a fever or having any serious heat in that foot yet. Not saying to not do it but I wouldn't if there is no sign of an infection or fever.

Justine