Retained cud

TRAILRIDER · #1 02/11/15, 11:40 AM

Has anybody dealt with retained cud in your goats? Did you inspect their teeth for problems and what were the findings?

**mygoat** · #2 02/11/15, 11:41 AM

Retained cud? As in with facial paralysis?

TRAILRIDER · #3 02/12/15, 10:12 AM

mygoat, no, I was thinking about cheek abscess at the corner of the mouth due to tooth problems. Have you seen that before? I know goats can get abscesses (not CL related) in the cheek area from cud as can other grazing animals (even those that do not chew cud.)

**mygoat** · #4 02/12/15, 10:27 AM

I had never heard that called retained cud before is all. :P

Rear teeth can be the problem but looking in the mouth of a non-anesthetized goat can be difficult. And dangerous - don't put your fingers back there. :P Personally if I had one with a tooth abscess, I'd probably treat with antibiotics to see if I could clear it up. If it came back, I'd probably have a veterinarian do anesthesia and potentially a tooth removal if it was a valuable doe or a pet. If it is an external abscess of any kind, I do suggest culturing it because if it leaves a scar, buyers may notice and all they have is your word. Plus, what if it IS CL as unlikely as it may be? If it is a more external abscess I would isolate and culture, personally.

marusempai · #5 02/12/15, 10:44 AM

...REALLY don't put your teeth back there. I got bit on the finger by the little one once (I was trying to get the alfalfa in the feeder and she was in a hurry), she didn't even bite down hard and MAN did that hurt. And bleed! And I had to explain to everybody how I got bit by a goat!

Clovers_Clan · #6 02/12/15, 03:54 PM

When horses have an abscess or other dental problem they often keep a wad of material(hay or grass) in the back of their mouth. It can cushion and ease the discomfort. And if they can't chew thoroughly enough to swallow they'll eventually spit it out. This is called quidding. If you see any animal doing this, suspect a dental issue or abscess.

And, yes, dental checks are best left for a vet. Its next to impossible to get a good look. The vet has a special halter with a device that holds the animal's mouth open. They can either rule out a problem or fix the problem on the spot. If its just you, you're still left guessing or its not something you can fix yourself anyway :-P

TRAILRIDER · #7 02/12/15, 04:32 PM

Thanks for the advice. DH used to be a horse dentist so I do have dental equipment. But yes you are right, it is very hard to check teeth on a goat! I did put my hand in there this AM to check. I didn't get bitten, but she wasn't happy about it. And wow! those back teeth were like razors! I will have to find a goat vet, none local anymore, and get her sedated and look into it further.