The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Goats => Topic started by: Blinkers on March 22, 2011, 06:38:56 pm
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....is desperately ill. She's a pure bred Anglo Nubian and this is her 4th kidding. She kidded yesterday at 4pm no problems. 3 kids - 2 females and 1 male - all fine. She passed her afterbirth, ate her dinner and all well. I checked her at 2am this morning (as was out checking ewes cos we're lambing), didn't check at 5am as all was quiet over there. Then at 8am she was sitting down with her kids around her so I left her to carry on with all the other feeding. Got back to her about 8.45am and she was still sitting and clearly not quite right. Got her up and decided to milk her out so that I could bottle feed the kids before deciding what might be wrong with her. Started to milk and ....... strawberry milkshake came out. Rushed indoors to ring vet. Vet finally arrived at midday and diagnosed a Staph infection which had no doubt got into blood stream. She's currently on a drip (about half the bag in so far) on huge amounts of antibiotics both in her muscle and up into her udder. Vet gave her less than a 50/50 chance of survival but she's hanging in there at the moment. She even ate half a crust of bread at 5pm!!!! Kids are penned next to her but will no doubt now have to be bottle reared anyway, but at least she is aware of them there and they can't interfere with her drip etc. Desperately worried about her, but not holding my breath that she'll make it through the night, but you never know.
I asked the vet where this had come from as she'd been perfectly happy, healthy, eating well, lovely shiney coat etc and she said it had probably been sitting dormant in her udder and the trauma of kidding kick started it into action. You just never know do you.
Keep your fingers crossed for her - she's a lovely Ivans bred goat and I adore her. :'( :'(
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Fingers firmly crossed here!
Ian
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Everything crossed for you. I really feel for you and I'm sure you won't be sleeping easily tonight. Cx
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oh bless her, fingers and things crossed for Della. and her kids.
hope she's ok
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Fingers crossed, come on Della! Get Well Soon!
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Thanks guys. Hadn't actually cried till now....but your kind words have brought the tears xx
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oh such a shame, i do hope she pulls through. at least you know you've done what you can as quickly as you could.
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Fingers crossed for her I really hope she's ok soon. :goat:
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Fingers crossed for poor Della. :bouquet:
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All the best for Della and you - you will be both in my prayers. Hope she will pull through.
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Sending love and lots of good positive energy your, and Della's way :-*
Karen x
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:-[ hope she responding to the drugs, she lucky to have such a caring owner, come on Della x
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blinkers, I cried just reading it, so you must be devastated.
hope she's perked up now the ABs will be kicking in
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Please please Della pull through - I really do hope she makes it, our goats are all so special, fingesr firmly crossed on left hand as I type, Clare x
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I have got everything crossed for you, wishing you both all the very best
:hshoe: :bouquet: :wave:
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So sorry - like you say, these things happen, and without us knowing why sometimes. Fingers crossed for her.
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Thanks again guys, really appreciate all your good wishes. She's made it through the night and kept the drip in so the bag is nearly empty. She's even eated 3 tomatoes and drunk a little water.......however, one half of her udder is very dark in colour and still milking out blood - so think at best she'll likely lose this side, but if she survives then that's all I want right now. Will keep you posted.
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The best thing you can do is tempt her with absolutely anything. Warm water with glucose in it will keep up energy.
Brown bread is popular with most goats, as are digestive biscuits. It is vital to keep the digestive tract working. It is possible that yoghurt would be acceptable, which will stimulate the rumen.
The very best of luck.
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Many thanks wytsend. She's eaten a whole banana now and drunk some more water. Will try her with a bit of soaked sugar beet too to see if that takes her fancy. Have now removed the drip as had completely emptied out, so she is free to be able to get up if she feels like it, but am keeping her kids penned next to her as don't want them trying to suckle the nasty half of her udder. I think we're almost certainly over the 50/50 stage now :)..... and I'm just beginning to breathe again ::) More updates later
thanks again all for your support :goat: :bouquet:
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Sounds like she is improving, I know nothing about goats but as I read the thread I was also holding my breath (sort of) and breathed a sign of releif on the last post, hope she continues, if it were not for your farming skills etc, she would have most likely died, just shows your dedication, sure you will let us all know how she is doing!!
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Really pleased to read Della could be turning a corner ... great news, still keeping my fingers crossed.
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Yes, I do feel we have turned that corner and she is eating bananas quite well. I tried to get her to stand up earlier as I though she's been sitting in the same position for the last 36 hrs.....and although I got her back end up and tried to hold her, she couldn't manage the front end and then collapsed and was panting with exhaustion. She recovered fairly quickly and had another banana and a drink but I'm worried she's not gonna be able to stand!!! What would you guys do ??? Any advice most welcome.
Thanks gang x
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That sounds more promising. Really pleased for you keep us posted :goat: ;D
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bottle feed her glucose solution, or electrolyte solution?
what are you feeding the kids? if milk replacement, you could try Della with that (as long as she doesn't get a taste for it!)
when our goat Margo was poorly, we gave her cream crackers - the bicarb in them helps keep their digestive system going, or something?! they were much appreciated... as long as the goat is getting water too.
so glad she is on the mend, keeping fingers crossed.
its good to keep her moving, even though she will struggle.
sounds like you're doing a great job looking after them all :)
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I agree with Little Blue - we have had really sick goats, down on the floor, no interest in eating, but cream crackers were eaten!! I also warm some water, add couple of teaspoons of bicarb to it, had sick goats drink that, and it does help their digestion. A little molasses or treacle on top of the feed is another tempter, oh and bananas and digestive biscuits. Believe me, I have had some desperate times over the years, so have tried all sorts to get them to eat.
Bit early for leaves, but the bark on willow branches is good too. Got pain relief in it.
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Thanks guys - she's devouring bananas and tomatoes now, but can't temp her to stand with them yet. Will try the bicarb in water etc and the willow is just beginning to turn green and they go nuts for that in the Spring, so will try tempting her with a few branches tomorrow even though there are no leaves, but the bark may be enough to get her to move. Am just worried that other things will start breaking down if she doesn't get up soon :goat:
The kids are on Lamlac and are doing absolutely fine. I might try Della with a small amount tomorrow like you suggest - I'm sure she'll like that. The vet is due back tomorrow to deal with 3 lambs that have entropion ( weird that I've had 4 lambs with it this year and even more bizarre is that all are from different Rams !!!!) and so I'm she might help me try lifting Della if she thinks she's ready to move.
Will keep you updated tomorrow. Off for a couple of hours sleep now ::) Night all. x
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Oh how awful for poor Della and you too. Well done for keeping her going, because when that strikes, it strikes so hard you can nearly see the udder changing colour as you watch.
We had it once, and lost the goat in the first 12 hours, so she is past that stage thank goodness. Need to get her eating, and yes, you will need to try and get her up soon. Best to have someone else there to help, one at front and one at back. It may even be necessary to sling her just to help support her if she really struggles. See what the vet advises.
Try some raspberry canes if you have any. Romily was quite sick for a couple of days after kidding (4 kids just too hard for a swiss goat), and rasp cane trimmings, blackcurrant bush trimmings were the only few starting to show green things we found for her. Flowering current is good if you have any of those in the garden, they normally come out early and are fine for goats to eat.
Fingers crossed for her.
Beth
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Its a funny time of year, as fruit bushes, and trees are not out yet - at least not here - we are always a bit behind everywhere else!! Managed to find some elderflower trees in leaf today. My goats were so grateful for the armful I picked!!
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Massage her front legs by straightening one out and rubbing the tendon areas. This is the problem ,after a goat or any animal come to that, has been down for a while, the tendons at the back of the leg start to contract . This would make it difficult to stand up in the future.
Keep turning her from one side to the other so that each hind leg gets time underneath. In fact keep moving her a little at a time, will encourage her to get up.
Don't attempt to get her up on your own... there must be 2 people to support even if it is only the hind end up. Damage can be done by the goat suddenly collapsing back onto the floor. These are things that don't occur to you at the time....... you wouldn't let a human patient suddenly collapse onto the floor having just got them to their feet !!!!!!!!
She has had a bad trauma....... have you given anything to combat the trauma i.e Heptavac P. You can give this ( even tho' her vaccinations may be up to date) as a preventative to pasteurella(pneumonia). The rate is double dose given once. I lost a male several years because the Vet who attended the emergency on a Saturday midnight had never heard of doing it. She was reprimanded by her boss later.
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Well the willow is currently non existent, but will certainly go and raid the fruit bushes to see if that'll tempt her. She's eaten a whole banana, a Tomatoe and 2 slices of bread this morning and was actively looking for it. However, she won't get up. Wytsend - thanks for that info about the tendons. We've managed to stand her between us this morning and you're right, its clearly the front legs that won't straighten out. Will go and massage her legs like you say. I did wonder about a sling, but not sure if the rafters in the goat shed would take the weight. No haven't given her a Heptavac. Will do that too.
Vet due this afternoon - will report back again after that. Now off to cut down the raspberries :)
Once again, thanks all - truly appreciate all the feedback. :wave:
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Even if the willow is not out in leaf, the branches will be fresh.......sharp knife, peel back some of the bark from a branch or two, should be green and nice and juicy looking. Sick goats will often strip the bark off themselves once you have started the process. At least she is eating, which is good. Watch out, she will want all this fancy food when she is well......and will be demanding strawberries and the like, if she gets a taste for the good things!!
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You will need to massage those legs several times a day - even persuading her to keep one leg out straight for up to 10 mins a time , will be helpful. The tendons have contracted so have got to be encouraged to support her again.
Don't panic if she loses a lot of weight .. it does not matter at this stage .. it soon goes back on.
I have a large herd of Nubians and they are probably the worst at being manhandled at times like this, but it has to be done.
If you want to talk, I am more than willing to give what help/advice I can .... have been goat keeping for over 35 years now. My number is 01647 231456
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Still got everything crossed for you both :wave:
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Bless, I hope she gets better soon :goat: :bouquet:
Sounds like your getting loads of helpful advice, aren't peops great on here?
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Come on Della! Keep going girl!
Our never-refused treat in these circumstances is wholemeal bread and honey sandwiches. And cracker biscuits. Have you got any Rescue Remedy? It might be a good idea to give her a few drops before and after you try to get her on her feet. ( And have a few drops yourself too!)
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:'( Not good today - Vet was pleased yesterday as temperature almost normal....but today refusing food, very lethargic, had some water and milk, but looks dreadful......I'm not hopeful :'( :'( :'( Will report back again later. x
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oh dear, and we were all hoping she was over the worst. will keep everything crossed and hopwfully she'll improve as the day progresses. xx
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Sorry about the setback - thats goats for you. When they get sick, sometimes they do not help themselves. By which I mean, they need to chew the cud, and for that to happen, they need to eat......obviously something they do not want to do when ill, so a difficult situation. Don't give up though - I have had them looking dreadful, and the following morning, looking so much better. Also the other way, full of health and then lay lifeless.
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Have called the vet again as she's just lying there quietly moaning with every breath - awful. She looks and sounds so pitiful, poor thing.
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Oh dear, sounds like the poor girl is in pain. Has the vet been giving her pain killing injections - if they are wearing off, she will feel it? Goats are not good with pain, big or small.
Hope the vet can help.
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Sounds awfully like my worst fear, pneumonia. Goats are not good with trauma.
My very best wishes & hugs for a good outcome.
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You poor thing. How very traumatic for you. Thinking of you and Della.
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Poor Della and poor you. I do hope she pulls through.
Best wishes
Katie
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Sounds awfully like my worst fear, pneumonia. Goats are not good with trauma.
My very best wishes & hugs for a good outcome.
I suspected pneumonia too as her breathing was beginning to get a bit gurgly.
Sadly she passed away before the vet got to us. Can;t tell you how sad I am, but I'm sure all you goat keepers will know. Can't type any more cos I cant see the keyboard or screen very well now :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
x
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Bless, horrid thing but at least you gave her your very very best!!!! :'(
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Oh I am sorry to hear that. Bless you.
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oh my heart goes out to you. It is so so hard when we lose an animal - they are so much more than that to us aren't they. Poor Della, and of course, poor you. So many of us send you our heartfelt condolences. xx
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So sorry to hear this bad news. My thoughts and best wishes go out to you. It's terrible when we lose our animals :(
Ian
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Really feel for you, it's heart-wrenching when one of our furry friends goes :bouquet:
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oh, I am so sorry for you Blinkers.
Sleep well Della, you will be missed :(
how are the kids coping?
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So sorry you lost your much-loved girl. You did all you possibly could and at least she knew she was loved to the very end.
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Sending you love & hugs and lots of sympathy :-* :-* :-*
Della's legacy lives on in those 3 little kids though, they'll need you as much as you'll need them, and together you'll get through it.
Love & light, Karen xxx
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So sorry to hear your news - was hopeful yesterday - I don't know what to add, I just know how I'd feel and it's making me cry thinking about it - I hope the kids take some of the pain away x Clare
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Sorry you lost your girl it's so sad to loose your animals. You did your very very best for her and she couldn't of asked for any more from you. Take strength from the babies and get them through for her. :bouquet:
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RIP Della, Run Free Over Rainbow Bridge Beautiful Girl! xxx
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So sorry - you did all you could. Its still heartbreaking though. The good thing is that she left you the kids to remember her by.
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So sorry to hear the news- I know you will be devasted. I was hopeful yesterday that she would improve. Mastitis like that is one of the worst things I have ever seen (only seen it the once).
Love and hugs to you, and to the babies. Let me know if there is anything I can do.
Beth
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Hi
I don't have goats yet - just finding things out but I've been watching your post- so sorry you lost her, it's so hard losing any animal especially one you have nursed yourself.
:bouquet:
Claire xx
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Really , really sorry :'( We believe we lost Avocet to pneumonia and it was heartbreaking, very very sad for you.
:bouquet:
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I am so sorry for your loss. Words aren't going to help much right now but I'm sure that she has had the most wonderful life with you and you did everything you could. Sometimes, even if we don't want it to happen, it's just their time to go. You have her kids, give them lots of hugs and kisses and she will no doubt live on through them.
xxx
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I am so so sorry. You did everything a good mum could do. I know you must miss her terribly. Her kids will be even more precious to you now. Thinking of you. Cx
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:bouquet:
I am so sorry for your loss, I know the pain, I lost a horse last year, broke m heart,
those kids are lucky to have you, focus on them now xxx
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So sorry to read about Della. :bouquet:
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BLINKERS Im so so so sorry, not really sure hwat else to say apart from, im thinking about you at this terrible time, and sending you a virtual hug :bouquet:
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Thanks ever so much guys - still can't quite manage to read your lovely posts without the tears coming, but gets easier as we all know. Lordy, losing a horse is such a tragic thing to happen - sending hugs back to you all. :bouquet: