Inducing labor?

[wmk0002]

I have a heavy bred doe who looks ready to kid any time now. She has been extremely wide for a long time but within the last week her belly dropped really low and upper sides began to sink in some. I really am not sure when her due date is as I run my buck with my does year round. The problem is that she has gotten so big she is having problems with her front legs. She has a very hard time getting up. She can get her back end up no problem but her front is another story. I have had to help her up each morning after she has been laying down for a long time and each time I could hear popping coming from her front legs. I'm not absolutely super concerned at this point because she is fine otherwise (great appetite and overall looks very healthy) but I am worried if she doesn't kid within the week I may have to induce her. I have never had to do that before so I was just wondering if seems like a situation where it may be necessary.

[mygoat]

Inducing without knowing when the kids are due is not safe for the kids. It likely will not harm the doe any more than a normal birth would, but just be warned without an exact duedate you may or may not end up with live viable kids. Earlier than about 7 days, the kids very rarely survive. If you do induce, try giving doe Dex as well, which to my understanding helps develop the lungs of the kids. Discuss with your vet the best course of action.

[yarrow]

Does should NEVER be induced without a FIRM/Known due date (unless it is.. done as an attempt to save a doe).. and yes.. it will take both Dex & Lute in as situation like this..

we do induce our does (I want them to kid in the afternoon).. BUT>. it has taken building fort knox for the bucks.. hand breeding each and every doe. keeping really good breeding dates..counting.. double counting. making sure we never induce too early.. (I like kids to be born on day 146 to day 148).. inducing also lets us keep does down to just 2 or 3 kidding per day..

good luck.. hopefully she kids for you without the need for anything.. if she worsens call your vet

susie

[wmk0002]

The good news is that she seems to be doing better as far as moving around but still no babies or signs of labor yet. I am guessing she is just carrying more kids than usual. She has kidded for me twice and both times have been large singles but she appeared to have at least twins. Now she looks like she is ready to pop out triplets so maybe she just has 2 this time instead of her usual 1.

I'll keep an eye on her and consult my vet if I need to.