Goat doesn't look right...help??

Suzyq2u · #1 11/02/13, 08:35 AM

Okay so our 'pretty girl' hasn't looked right for a few days now.
She's stumbling a little, and looks weak, thinner than usual.
I immediately thought worm overload, her lids are pale.
Wormed her with ivermectin. Berries look normal.
Been trying to get her to take redcell (not her favorite).
We isolated her and her kid (kid is 6mo).
She usually is just on browse, but have added in alfalfa pellets
to see if it'd boost her calcium if she has a shortage there.
Had we been milking her by hand she'd have it on the stand but
we just let her raise the kid about a month ago.
It's possible she got knocked by another goat (she's the lowest mama
on the totem pole) or the cow. Her head is bobbling side to side
a little from time to time. She is eating everything I give her like she's
starving.
Going to give her some probios this morning.
She's in heat and lactating.

It almost seems neurological... Think I should give her an injection
of CD&T antitoxin?
Headed to town this morning, can p/u other things, ideas??

Suzyq2u · #2 11/02/13, 08:42 AM

No temp on her yet, I also have valbazen I could give her too if it's maybe barber pole.
She just looks so dizzy...

Backfourty,MI. · #3 11/02/13, 09:23 AM

Is sh drooling at all or any symptoms that would make you think Listeriosis?
The CD & T Antitoxin won't hurt her for sure & may help cover all bases.

Suzyq2u · #4 11/02/13, 09:25 AM

No, just unstable. Eats and drinks. : /

dozedotz · #5 11/02/13, 09:29 AM

What kind of browse? Deer in the area?

Suzyq2u · #6 11/02/13, 09:43 AM

Primarily oak, cedar, Bermuda, we have had some bitter weed which I know
Can cause issue w cows but they all seem to be avoiding it now. Lots of leaves. Yes, deer in the area.

Suzyq2u · #7 11/02/13, 09:45 AM

We've Wondered if maybe a possible tick born disease...

dozedotz · #8 11/02/13, 09:51 AM

First, you really need to get the temperature as soon as you can. Second, this time of the year at our place it is wet more than usual...we pen the goats away from the lower pastures near the creek where they are more likely (we think!!) to come in contact with snails or deer. The dogs that are always with the goats do a good job of keeping the deer on the other side of the fence, but we are just more careful during wet times of the year. Her symptoms seem (to me...!?) to suggest lots of possibilities...polio, listeriosis, meningeal worm, even CAE...obviously a severe injury is also possible. Get the temperature taken and maybe someone will come up with a far better and more concise idea of what is going on...sorry this is all over the place, but that is what I am thinking based on what we have at this point...

dozedotz · #9 11/02/13, 09:54 AM

Sorry! One more...Backfourty mention the C&D and it certainly is another possibility that this is rumen related!!

CraterCove · #10 11/02/13, 10:03 AM

I would not be changing her diet drastically while she is ill, especially not to any kind or grain or pelleted feed. I would probably start b vit shots and make sure she is getting plenty of leaves to browse instead of pasture grass. in case it's rumen related.

For meningeal worm you need a wormer that passes through the blood brain barrier in order for it to be effective. You also need to do a course of anti inflammatory meds. I lost a girl to that a couple of years ago now. And if I have learned anything from my goats its that the instant they seem off, intervene--- sometimes it's a difference of hours between recovery and losing them.

wintrrwolf · #11 11/02/13, 10:21 AM

I agree with the vit B complex shot it will help with the anemia (pale membranes indicate) will also help with energy level while working on what could be causing the issue. Agree also with not changing her feed drastically which could cause her to scour since she isn't doing so right now and thats a good thing.

The probios is not a bad idea would continue that if you do make any changes. Would worm with quest for barberpole but if you think this is worm related see about getting a fecal done so you know what worms you are dealing with.

Pony · #12 11/02/13, 01:35 PM

I'd be concerned about parasites, esp with all the wet we've had lately. With the neuro signs, I'd be thinking meningeal worm, too.

Good luck, keep us posted.

Suzyq2u · #13 11/02/13, 08:59 PM

OKAY soooo.... I; of course, managed to forget to buy the thermometer when we went into town... ugh.

Thanks for all the info, I have a bit of reading ahead of me it would seem!
Always something new to learn about goats!! Would be nice if (like cars) it
didn't often come from first hand experience!

She is looking a little better this evening, still gobbling up any treat she can get. REALLY wants to be back with everyone else but she's not up to it yet.
What do I need for meningeal worm?

Suzyq2u · #14 11/02/13, 09:04 PM

Just read this article..
http://www.tennesseemeatgoats.com/ar...ngealworm.html
Other than not noticing itching, this could be it. I gave her Ivermectin plus
I gave her roughly 4ccs and she def. doesn't weigh 100lbs, she's very petite.
Should I give it to her every day for 7 days?

dozedotz · #15 11/03/13, 12:11 AM

I would. We have not had to deal with it yet, but that site (Tennessee meat goats) is excellent and that is what she advises. I would probably do the vitamin B also. It cannot hurt. Since the berries are normal and she is eating maybe put off the C&D for the time being. It is kind of late tonight, but tomorrow others who have actually had to deal with this instead of just trying to avoid it will hopefully be available for more advice.

Suzyq2u · #16 11/03/13, 08:56 AM

Looking a little better today, continuing the ivermectin.