Urinating On Herself

parrotman · #1 12/29/13, 11:17 AM

I have a doe (almost 3 years old) that has started to urinate on herself when she is lying down. When she is standing and has to relieve herself, she squats and pees in the normal way.
I thought of collecting a urine sample and having the vet look at it to see if it might be a UTI, but trying to get a sample seems to be impossible.
I started treating her with LA 200 and this is day 3, just in case it is an infection.
I know it might sound gross, but I've run my hand up her leg and collected enough wetness to smell it and see if it might be off in odor, but it doesn't appear to be so.
Her behavior is normal and her stool is fine along with her appetite and drinking.
Drinking is not at an excessive level. She does not appear to act or behave in any manner other than her normal self.
Both of her rear legs are damp and badly stained from the urinating.

Any suggestions as to what this might be or if there is another prophylactic treatment that I could use to see if it clears up? I've not heard of bladder infections in goats, but that certainly doesn't mean it couldn't happen.

Clovers_Clan · #2 12/29/13, 11:29 AM

It does sound like UTI. For the experts (that would definitely NOT be me), a little more info? Is she pregnant or recently kidded? Did this come on suddenly or gradually? And any changes in feed? Has she recently been in heat?

parrotman · #3 12/29/13, 11:37 AM

Thanks for the response. She has never freshened and was recently in heat.
No changes in diet, minerals, water, etc.
As far as how it came on, I really can't say with absolute certainty. It wasn't until I noticed the staining on her legs that I was aware of it. While she could have been damp, it wasn't until I saw the discoloration that I took notice and action.

Josie · #4 12/29/13, 12:01 PM

To collect a sample, try attaching an empty can to a stick ...good luck

**mygoat** · #5 12/29/13, 12:06 PM

For a vet to tell if there is an active UTI, You'd have to send a STERILE sample to the vet to send for culture. non-sterile can be contaminated with environmental bacteria and render your results worthless...

I'd continue antibiotics for a full 5-7 days and see how she is... if you still think UTI, I'd call a vet and ask what they'd suggest to do from there.

parrotman · #6 12/29/13, 12:15 PM

Thanks all. Fortunately, I do have a very competent goat vet. I will continue the antibiotic and see how she fares. While I'm concerned, I'm not extremely worried for she is really not acting or behaving any differently than her normal self. I just don't want her to suffer or not heal, if there's something I can do for her.

Goat Servant · #7 12/29/13, 08:41 PM

In addition to any UTI what I would be concerned about is urine scald. I had an older doe who would not squat all the way to pee.
One day I examined her closely & found she had funky hunks of hair all stuck together with scabs underneath.

Picked them off the best I could then rubbed the areas with bag balm. Vaseline would work too.
Do keep us updated, Parrotman.

parrotman · #8 12/30/13, 08:18 AM

Quote:

In addition to any UTI what I would be concerned about is urine scald. I had an older doe who would not squat all the way to pee.
One day I examined her closely & found she had funky hunks of hair all stuck together with scabs underneath.

I'm going to check her this morning. It's so miserably cold, I hesitate to wash her back there, but might do it if it looks bad. I don't see her being cooperative with blow drying!
She's hating the needles enough already.

myheaven · #9 12/30/13, 08:42 AM

You can make a puck. What you do is clean the area very well. One wipe each side with a new cloth. Ob towelettes or paper towel with anti bacterial soap. Take a new sand which bag. Cut off the top. Use clear tape. Tape it to just her vaginal area make sure you to not involve the rectum.
I have done this to dogs and cats. As soon as she pees, take it off and seal it.

parrotman · #10 12/30/13, 09:03 AM

Well, that's certainly a possibility and a good suggestion. I think I'll give that a try.
How do I protect my teeth from her kicks?

myheaven · #11 12/30/13, 10:00 AM

If you can put her on a tether with a treat she will be distracted with.

parrotman · #12 12/30/13, 10:40 AM

Here's an update...

Called the vet...urinalysis at this time would be futile since she has already been on antibiotic. Finish 3 more days of antibiotic and then decide if improved.

I went out to the barn prepared to collect a sample and she immediately squatted and peed when she saw me before I could even open the pen gate. So just as well I didn't need one.

I washed her off and had to change the bucket twice in order to get her clean. The hair is still stained, but her skin is without irritation or scald an no matting of hair, so that's a good thing.
Surprisingly, she wasn't bad for the wash after she got on to the idea of what I was doing. I toweled her dry as best I could and gave her scratches and rubs which she likes so I think we're friends again.
She went off to the pasture and is munching on hay as if it's just another day.

I think what has me concerned is that this is the very first thing I've ever had go wrong with my goats as far as their health is concerned. I know it's a life lesson/experience, but I'd just assume do without it.

Thanks for all of the advice and concern.

parrotman · #13 12/31/13, 09:55 PM

I hate to speak too soon, but today when I went to the barn to move goats and administer her antibiotic, she had a dry back side. Tonight when she came in from the field, she had a dry back side. She may very well have had a UTI and she's over the hump. Two more days of antibiotic to go. Keeping my fingers crossed. At least the next dosings of probiotics doesn't involve needles! Bernadette will be happy. (me too)

Doug Hodges · #14 01/01/14, 08:09 AM

Sounding good