The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Goats => Topic started by: suzanne@waterfall on April 21, 2012, 11:55:22 am
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Hello,
My name is Suzanne, this is my first time contacting the group.
I am looking for advice.
I have had goats for a number of years now but at present have only one female
called Faith. She has been with us for about 7 or 8 years. Just over a week ago she
was attacked by our donkey, she was heavily pregnant at the time and I feared she wouldn't recover.
We had fears for the baby also. She has been off her feet since. He bit her on the back, she fell and couldn't get up.
They always got on so well until now. We called the vet, no breaks, fetal heart OK. Antibiotics and pain relief. TLC +++, loads of apples carrots and porridge!
On Wednesday she gave birth to her little boy. :goat:
She previously had twin boys and prior to that a single girl. :)
However, she is still off her feet. She had a previous broken leg which she recovered from but the joint is fixed.
It was her front leg. The current problem is with her back legs.
Vet exam states no damage, but she is only just starting to move them. We have put the baby to her but she is not producing much milk, so we are supplementing with bottle. She is not enjoying feeding him! :(
Is there anything we can do to help improve her mobility? Anything to build her up?
I am meant to be away overnight on Wednesday, I really need to go!
Any helpful advice would be much appreciated.
Thank you,
Suzanne
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Congratulations on the safe arrival of baby Martin :)
I'm guessing she's badly bruised and it hurts!
And sometimes, once you've become immobile, getting going again takes time. If the vet says there are no obvious problems, I might put a collar and lead on her, lift her to her feet and see if you can persuade her to come for a short turn about the yard/paddock. Might need some of her favourite food/branch from hedgerow in your hand....
You might need to do this for a bit, to get her moving again.
Hopefully as she loosens up, she'll stand better to feed him.
What does the vet think about painkillers? I know mine is a bit wary of oral ones for ruminants but will inject with metacam (or let me) if necessary.
The other thing is to feed her up - flaked maize, dairy nuts and a good mineral supplement, Brinicombes now do a proper goat one a lot of us on here use.
Hope things improve soon :goat:
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Without an x-ray its hard to say what is going on. could be nerve damage. I would have thought having given birth she would have been eager to be up and looking after her kid so something is far from right. Not a goat expert but I am sure someone on here will be ble to help :wave:
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Thanks for the help.
I also think all is far from well, but there is no sign of pain when I do passive movements with her limbs.
I could do with a zimmer frame for her.
When I said we have had goats for a number of years, we have had 3 or 4 goats at a time and they have been pets.
We have not had many major problems to deal with. They are just pets, not dairy.
I am in Ireland. I'm not sure where I would get the mineral supplements. They don't keep them where I get my feed.
We are giving her Ivy which she loves, also ginger nut biscuits.
She had 3 days of injections for pain which ended the day before her delivery. The one limb appears weak she doesn't even try to take weight on it, almost as though she had had a stroke. Also she is losing blood stained serous fluid from her uterus. Not frank blood but blood stained fluid. Is this normal.
Thanks again for your help.
Suzanne.
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Yes, some blood stained fluid is normal after a birth. Has she passed the afterbirth?
Anyone would be weak and stiff from not moving, imagine sitting on the floor all that time and then trying to get up. I suppose it's possible she's damaged her spine but it may just be the above too. I think the vet would have thought about spinal damage so if they say they don't think anything major is wrong hopefully it isn't.
Brinicombes deliver the mineral, we all have to mail order it too, I don't know anywhere near that stocks it
If you have any further questions on Premium Goat Balancer or wish to place an order please call Kym Moore, Customer Support Supervisor on 01363 778792
Mine love ivy too - never tried them with ginger biscuits :D
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Thanks, I'll order some asap.
Yes she passed the afterbirth in the pm and it seemed complete.
We'll keep trying, hopefully she will come through ok.
She is sitting up at the moment and 'talking' to little Martin, she is giving a little milk and we are topping up with bottle........ but she doesn't like that at all.
Thanks for the advice and information, it's a lonely place just hoping you are doing the right thing for them,
especially when they are ill.
Suzanne.
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Congratulations on the safe arrival of baby Martin, and a huge welcome to the board. Its a great place to be if you have problems. I know that if my boys have been off colour, I feel very scared and alone as they are still new to me, unlike cats who I have kept all my life. Its great to know that we have somewhere to come to for good and friendly advice at any time.
I hope that Faith recovers very quickly.
Good Luck,
Mary.
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Just to let you know that Faith stood for a few moments tonight, we got her up but she stood on her own hooves for a few minutes.
I am so delighted I cannot tell you!
What can I safely use to wash Faith, she needs a good clean up as her coat is all matted and stained.
She has had an interim clean up with sensitive baby wipes, but it's not effective enough. Sorry, I have to go as one of my cats is determined I'm not going to type anymore! She has added numerous letters and digits of her own!!!!!!!!!!
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Hurray :thumbsup: The more she stands the better she'll get :)
You can use dog shampoo on goats, or a horse brush, but to be honest, that's the least of her problems and I wouldn't bother her with it at the moment. It'll be bothering you far more than it is her. Wait until she's back to normal again before you do anything that'll stress her :-*
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You really need to get her up and moving for her own good, collar and lead and someone behind to help motivate, A bucket of her favourite food dangled in front and take her outside for a ten minute walk 3 times a day.
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Hi Suzanne
If you pm me your name and address I'll send you on some of the mineral supplement until you get your own if you want.
I got a huge tub of it and although it took a while for my goats to get used to it I can see a huge improvement, our Heidi had problems after her birth as well (I think you read that thread) but with anti-biotics and a lot of TLC she came around and is back to being Queen Bee. I would agree that its probably bruising and soreness, but keep an eye on her to make sure that more serious damage hasn't been inflicted, like jaykay I wouldn't bother about cleaning her up for a wee while until she's a bit stronger, others might know better but maybe a heat lamp on her when she's lying down might help her muscles and joints.
Any like I said pm me if you want some of the minerals until you get your own
Good luck with them
Brid
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Thank you Brid. I will do that.
This morning Faith stood again having been got up by us, but it was not as good as last night, and for a shorter time.
She let Martin feed for a short while and ate apples, carrots and porridge. I have taken the advice about not washing her,
except using the wipes on the business end! Please keep your fingers crossed!!
Suzanne.
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Faith had a good day and stood with us twice, she still cannot get up on her own but she is now flexing her muscles and moving her legs whilst she is sitting on the ground. Appetite is good, but she gets tired really easily. She is still feeding as much as she can.
We plan to use a sling and hoist to enable us to stand her more easily. Her mood seems to have lifted a little when she has stood on her own feet. I'm sure it gives her hope, she is certainly not short of the love that goes with Faith and hope!
Does anyone have any experience of using a sling and hoist with a goat?
Thanks again everyone for all the help and advice.
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It does sound like she is beginning to feel more comfortable. Keep encouraging her to move and hopefully she'll soon be back to normal.
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Hi Everyone,
Just to let you know that Faith is moving and stretching her legs now which is a big improvement than a couple of days ago. Baby Martin is doing fine, :goat: but Faith had very little milk today. She is reluctant to drink, even though we gave her slightly warmed water. Is there anything else goats would drink and is safe to give them? We keep trying!
Flann, our springer spaniel, is suffering from depression as we are in the goat shed so much. :(
Thank you all again for all the support.
:wave: Goodnight,
Suzanne.
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My goats love the calf rehydration sachets when they have an upset tummy - may help if you think she is dehydrated.
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Thanks very much I'll try and get some in the morning.
I'll let you know how it goes.
Suzanne.
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Well, Faith seems very down in herself this morning, this getting better is going much too slowly for her.
Martin keeps jumping all over her and she has produced even less milk today. She is not talking to him as much today either. I hope to try the calf rehydration sachets later if I can get them locally, or tonight if not.
Suzanne.
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By the way thanks for the tip on Bananas! She loves them, skins and all!
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Thanks Cuckoo, she liked the Rehydration Sachet, she has only taken about 300 or 400 mls but that is more than she has had for a while. I will continue to give it to her as she will take it. She is still eating well.
She stood for a couple of minutes twice today. Hopefully a better day tomorrow.
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And about another 200ml this tonight!!:)
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Someone once suggested molasses in the warm water encouraged them to drink?
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Thanks PennineHillbilly
I'll try that too! :goat:
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Hi Suzanne,
I am new here and still not quite a goat keeper (next few days!) I just wanted to say I am so glad you posted because I have really enjoyed reading the thread start to finish - all the advice etc. I am off to Google the mineral supplement now. And gingernuts eh?! I am glad she is sort of picking up, even if it is taking time.
Charlotte
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So sad to read your story here - at least Martin is thriving but what a terrible worry about Faith.
I am new to goats but have 40 years experience with horses/cows/sheep etc and the one thing I know is that any animal whose instinctive behaviour in the face of fear is flight (which covers all the above and goats) is in a serious condition if they stay down for any length of time. Nature says if you can't run you are someone else's dinner - and these animals know it. If she won't get up it is because she can't. Added to that, being short of fluids is bad for every sort of creature, humans included.
If she will not drink enough your vet should be able to give some fluid by an IV drip - sometimes this will work wonders. The injuries/stress from the donkey attack may not be her only problem - for instance, is she short of calcium? She may have been going to need help anyway but because of the attack it is the first reason you think of for her collapse. With sheep, being down and indifferent can be miraculously cured by a dose of calcium. Ask your vet about Calciject.
Hope she improves soon.
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Thanks. She is at least taking some of therehydration fluid, I started her on the goat supplement today also, thanks to Brid! I will also ask the vet re the calciject. I'll try anything to help her recover. Her left back leg is very weak, but I am hopefull she will recover. I, we, will do our best to ensure she does.
Thanks so much for all the help and support. It means so much to me.
Suzanne.
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Missed this somehow = sleep deprivation I think - hope she pulls through - I do think goats that have that special bond with their keeper can pull through sometimes - my wee FeeBee, c section lost both kids was very down but with lots of love is back to being a boys boots, keeping finger's crossed
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Thank you. I have tried the dehydrating fluid and the goat supplement.
I will try our vet re calciject as I want to try anything that might help.
I do really appreciate all the help and advice, it really means so much that other
People care and support you.
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Faith had a good day today, but this evening when we put her on her 'bad side' she looked dreadful. I was really worried about her, she was moving around on the floor, unable to get up and quite distressed, which she hasn't been.
We moved her again just now, she perked up immediately! Demanded food, got tucked up in her straw blanket, called her little one to her and settled down for the night. I am asking the vet for a review in the morning. She obviously wants to get up and is trying to get up, but so far has not been able to get up! Poor Faith!
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:( Poor Faith has an ear infection! Even her poor eye is closed with it.
She has seen the vet, had antibiotics and pain relief!
The vet also did an asessment of her condition.
He said she has some paralysis of the back leg! :'(
He said we can try physio and TLC, but we have about a 10% chance of
getting weightbearing movement back in the leg!
I asked about the calciject which he has given her, she will have all the TLC she can handle.
All the apples, bananas and ginger nuts she wants.
I don't know if you are supposed to pray for goats, but I am praying for Faith!
Little Martin is totally oblivious :goat:
( :-[To add insult to injury Oisin (pronounced Oshsheen) one of my cats has a corneal ulcer and is feeling very sorry for himself too :cat:)
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Sometimes one feels that the cards are stacked against you..... but it will all turn round in time !!!!!
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So sorry to hear about Faith. Not sure if you have read my post about Jinty our Anglo Nubian goatling, who contracted Listeria 3 weeks ago. She was flat out for over two weeks, paralysed down one side, and even her mouth and tongue were affected. She was really bad, and things looked bleak, and to be honest, I did wonder if we would get her on her feet again ....but .....three days ago, the miracle happened for Jinty. I will post an update under goats, about her.
So, just want to say, don't give up hope. Getting fluids into sick goats is a priority, although easier said than done, but Jinty seemed to like the calf powders, and also, I have been giving her ready mash extra, which we use for our older pony. You mix it with water and soak for 5 minutes, either hot or cold.......its got glucose in it, so gives a sick animal some much needed energy. It was a life saver for Jinty when I was spoon feeding her, but she loved it. I also have been collecting willow leaves, and she has been eating the bark.
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Thank you Roxy, I had seen your posts, but I had not realised how bad Jinty was, so glad she has improved and hope it continues. Hopefully Faith's story will turn out to be similar.
Thanks for the inspiration!
Hopefully as you say the cards might turn in her/our favour!!
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Poor Faith, she cannot see out of her right eye because it is swollen, so when we turn her on her weaker side she is really in trouble. I don't know if it is wishfull thinking but I do feel her legs are getting a little more tone. She is certainly moving them more. However she still won't drink for me. Tried the molasses and the rehydration fluid. She is not in good form in herself at present!
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Hi Everyone,
I was just reading about how well Jinty is doing and wishing and hoping and praying that some time soon I will be saying the same thing about Faith. We have had a bad few days! I said what I had been told by the vet. So I am very anxious about her. Yesterday morning I went out to her at 6am having left her very cosy at 12 midnight with her straw blanket and little Martin cuddled up beside her after his bottle. She was on the concrete by the door sprawled across a shallow step! My heart stopped...... I thought she was dead. Forty mins later she is sitting up demanding apples and carrots and ginger nuts! She is moving, I don't know how, just pushing herself around with her forelegs I think. She has movement in her back legs but the left is still very weak. She is getting very demanding in what she wants to eat and seems to be hungry for apples all the time. She still wont take oral fluids but the vet said she is not really dehydrated.
I thought about looking for a good nursing home for a few weeks.......... but I'm not sure which of us needs it most.
Husband has been in the stable most of the day for most of the week, and both of us half the night! I am almost concerned that I am going into the hospital smelling of goat! (I don't think so!!!;) )
Hopefully, hopefully we will have good news too some day soon. I'm not sure if it is wishful thinking but I'm sure her legs are getting stronger. Anyone know a good goat physiotherapist?
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Sounds promising. If she's got the will to get better, and it certainly sounds like she has, then a large percentage of the battle is already won. Keep us informed.
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Any improvement is good .....no matter how small. And so long as Faith is eating. even a little, thats good too. Soaked sugar beet, with plenty of water, may tempt her to take in fluids. When Jinty was at her worst, I got a large syringe and gave her a drink with that, taking care that she was swallowing, and not choking!!
Do hope Faith is back on her feet very soon.
I can sympathise with you being in the goat shed all the time - thats how I was with Jinty.
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:wave:Hi All
Faith is, I'm sure, is getting stronger. But it is very slow. I spoke to one of the consultants at work who's husband is a horse breeder/trainer they have loads of other animals too. She said don't even reassess for 6-8 weeks. If it where a person you would expect to be in pain that long and she won't want to get up because of the pain. She is still moving the legs but not standing. Her willpower has returned she is so determined she won't take anything she doesn't want so if it is not apples carrots or Ginger nuts she's not interested! Little Martin continues to thrive! Thanks to all for good wishes and support....... It does make such a difference.
Thanks,
Suzanne.
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Thats brilliant news .....I remember when I had a back injury (pulled a muscle lifting a feed sack)). I was surprised just how long I was out of action, and my improvement was very slow, and months later I was still in pain and reluctant to stand for long.
I expect Faith is staying lay down because she knows its painful to stand, but I am sure once the brusing goes down she will get up. You will have to help her though, as her legs will be weak. Jinty still has wobbly moments.
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Hi. Well grateful thanks to Brid for the tip on jam sandwiches with goat supplement, it worked a treat.
Faith had a good day yesterday, but today it looks like her ear and eye are playing up again just as this time
Last week. I think I will ask the vet for more antibiotics today. I think she is banging her head deliberately as she cannot scratch herself, but she won't let me do it for her.
Martin has what look like nits! Just a few but if let go I'm sure there will be loads. What can I use to treat him. Also Faith I'm sure it won't help her situation.
Can anyone help with suggestions please. ???
Thanks a million!
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I can't really help with practical goat advice :-\ The 'nits' sound like it might be lice, so a parasite treatment would be in order I think.........wait for the goatkeepers to tell you for sure though with him being so little :thumbsup:
I'll keep sending reiki ;) :-*
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Thank you so much I really appreciate that.
Suzanne :bouquet:
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I'd ask the vet, the trouble with anything topical is that mum will lick it off - and if it's effective enough to deal with lice that's not going to do her much good, even tea tree oil.
I don't know at what age you can use Dectomax injection which deals with parasites, hence my suggestion you ask the vet.
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Thanks both. I did ask the vet and she said if I can see them they'll be fleas not lice.
That he is too young for anything topical
Other than puppy flea shampoo. I'm not sure
How well he will react to that but I'll have to try it.
Can't have him being totally uncomfortable as well.
Faith got her injections again. And some Ginger biscuits for
Being good!!
Today hasn't been her best day, but hopefully
Tomorrow will be better.
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HELP!
Well as I feared, the few fleas turned into an invasion!
I was so anxious about using the flea shampoo on Martin, that
I spent the evening with a nit comb and put him over my knee
To try and comb them out. I fear I lost the battle and the will to live!
Hours it took. But then guess what by last night Faith was covered too,
I couldn't face combing her out, not that she'd let me!
Can anybody help with advice. I now cannot see the woods for the fleas!!!
We think it may have been the straw! Of course now I have to treat
All the other animals too. That is relatively ok as there are no other
Moms and baby's.
Thanks. Suzanne.
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Aarrggghh.
As you know, fleas live in the bedding, not on the animal (they jump on to feed and then off again), so you have to treat the surroundings too.
Muck out, burn the straw. Clean very thoroughly, flame thrower if possible, dust corners with permethrin. Treat Faith at least.
Chances are the fleas have come from cats or dogs, so treat any of those that have access to the goat byre too.
What a pain, you could have done without this :-*
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Thanks JayKay. Any suggestions what I should use for Faith?
Do you think it would be safe to use half strength puppy
Shampoo on Martin, as he is only 2 1/2 weeks old.
Thanks. Suzanne.
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I wouldn't use anything on Martin, as it will upset Faith. Concentrate on getting them under control elsewhere. You could use dog spot-on on Faith I think but check with the vet as there might be residues in her milk - don't know if you can use it on lactating bitches but the vet know if this is safe.
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Well we did muck out daily anyway and gave her fresh straw daily. Tell me I am mad if you wish but I bought her a waterproof camping mattress! Pressure care!! It seems to be working well. However she is still looking awful when we put her on her 'bad side'. Then again she looks great when sitting up. Her appetite is still great. She could eat apples for Ireland! (a new Olympic sport!) She is eating grain well now also but not taking much in fluids. Martin thrives.
However, we still have not solved the 'visitors' problem. I went to the vetinary chemist today and they gave me a dusting powder that I am meant to be able to use for both of them and the goat shed, it's Nettex Louse Powder, has anyone used it for their goats? I plan to put sterile straw bedding in for Martin when we sort the problem.
He is jumping on his Mom a lot at the moment and i'm sure it's not doing her any good! but I don't want to separate them too much! Just to give her a rest!!
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Well we have been busy. Mucking out, changing straw, buying air mattresses! trying Nettex Louse Powder with great trepidation! The weather was fine on Saturday afternoon, though cold despite the sunshine. Faith was out on her mattress and sat on the grass for a couple of hours. We stood her a few times and she tried a couple of steps, but soon got tired, you could just tell she would love to go for a run! Poor Girl.
I started her on a tonic recommended by the chemist which is meant to lift her mood! (I'll try anything I can for her!)
Martin is fine a healthy and flea free!!! Bouncing all over the place! He goes into a dog crate with his bed inside at night to stop him jumping on her, but he is next to her and they can see one another. He made a bed himself from day 1 in a corner behind Faith.
Faith is still very debilitated when on her bad side. I am still hoping. She is still eating, peeing and pooing well, and she 'chats' away to Martin and to us. You would be in no doubt that she was looking for ginger biscuits or apples! That message is certainly clear! :P
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Things sound good - I hope you can get her up and moving again, it sounds promising that she can walk at least a few steps :thumbsup:
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Your dedication to Faith is very touching, I hope she continues to make progress for you :goat: :thumbsup:
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Hi All,
Faith has made some progress in that she is kicking with all four legs when we try to turn her onto her bad side, she still doesn't like it. She had an abscess burst under her eye during the week, and it is beginning to look better. She is taking rehydration fluid as much as she can get. Still eating apples like there is no tomorrow. I have to tell you that value ginger nuts don't cut the mustard! We have to go for the label!
Unfortunately the weather has not been good enough to take her outside, although tomorrow looks promising. I won't be able to stand her though as OH is in Twickenham............ and a very happy man at that! I am still exercising her back legs, which certainly seem to have more purposeful movement. Martin is growing like a weed, and running around the paddock when we take him out for a bit of exercise. He is still suckling, although I'm not sure Faith is producing much milk at this stage, however, he is still trying, so there must be something. They 'chat' away whilst I'm in there doing turns feeds mucking out. There is a different voice when she is talking to him rather than to me!
Lets hope the sun shines tomorrow!:)
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The sun's certainly shining here this morning after a horrid day yesterday, so hope it is with you too.
It sounds promising that Faith is kicking her legs and eating well and I'm sure little Martin being around is keeping her cheerful too.
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I keep checking this thread in hope of good news about Faith - and it is good news that she is thriving despite her problems. I am so impressed with your constant care and commitment to her and she should certainly make a full recovery if effort (yours and hers) has anything to do with it.
Perhaps a few days of sunshine (if such a thing is possible!) will make all the difference. Keep going and keep posting updates, please.
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At least she is making some progress and Martin seems to be doing fine. A lot of work for you but that is what we do when our animals need our help. Keep up the good work :thumbsup:
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Hi All,
Sorry I've not posted for a while......... just so busy. Faith still continues to make slow but steady progress.
She used to look like she was about to breath her last when laid on her 'bad side', now she can sit up and look over her shoulder. The sunshine has been great for her, but we are back to rain. She still gets very tired and everything is an effort then. She stood with a little assistance today. She stood! Previously we had stood her and balanced her against us.She has gained strength and can kick up a right fuss if she feels service is falling below par!
Martin is fine and bold and into mischief!
We had a problem last week when I thought she had mastitis, but her teat was just blocked, that resolved and she feed for about 6 days and now it has happened again! I'll have to call the vet again in the morning! Her teats are really engorged. I'll need to phone first thing or they my burst!
However as things go we are full of Hope for Faith!
As it also goes I'll be handing my pay cheque to the vet again this month!!!
Goodnight.
Suzanne.
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So pleased Faith is feeling well enough to stand! Not good about the mastitis though. Is Martin still feeding from Faith or are you milking her too? To be honest, I am surprised she has milk at all, with her being ill!!
Fingers crossed the mastitis is sorted quickly.
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Thanks Roxy. Vet said last week that it wasn't mastitis as there is no problem with the milk when the blockage is freed. There is no redness heat or tissue swelling associated with it just enforcement like she needs to be milked. She cannot be milked though! Three of us have tried last night. Just waiting for 9am now.
Suzanne.
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Why can't she be milked Suzanne?
she won't let you or the milk won't come out?
One of mine had a blockage and it took quite a bit of pressure but a little bit of 'rubbery' stuff came out, then she was fine, I was told bits from inside the udder occasionaly slough away and it doesn't mean theres a problem.
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The milk won't come out. Also now she is sore too, and the vet won't be here till about 5.30 pm.
She doesn't seem too concerned. I don't want it to turn to mastitis.maybe I'll try again before vets arrival!!! :fc:
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If hse hasn't been milked it is unlikely that she will let the milk down for you. You could try and see if you can ease her out while the kid is suckling on the other side, otherwise you just will have to persevere.... if she doesn't feed her kid and you cannot get the milk out she will probably get mastitis.
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Well no mastitis and problem solved :thumbsup: blockage cleared. Martin is not inclined to suckle now! So we milked her and bottled it for him and he is drinking it no problem. We will see how we progress!
BUT................ GREAT NEWS................... We stood Faith balanced her AND SHE WALKED!!!!!!!!!
Her first faltering steps for over 6 weeks! :goat:
She walked fairly well the 1st time about 6 paces, but as she tired so her steps faltered. She managed 4 steps the 2nd time and about 3 the 3rd time!
BUT HEY! SHE WALKED!!!!!!! ;D ;D ;D
I cried with joy! DB was nearly in tears too!
Goodnight all! :wave:
Suzanne.
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Oh, that's wonderful news ;D :thumbsup: and a testament to how well you've looked after her and stuck with her :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
I don't suppose the road to recovery will be perfectly straight but she's well on her way it seems ;D
I'm sooooo glad for you all ;D
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Hi All,
Just a quick update on Faith................... she is standing independently............ and walking and grazing!!!!! ;D ;D
As yet she has not stood up by herself, but I really trust she will. :fc: We are so delighted.
Martin is amazed........... he walked beside her, looking at her, as he had never seen her walk. :goat:
So much of her progress is due to my husband who has been the one who has done most of the exercise and physiotherapy.
Thanks so much to you all, for all the support advice and help. :bouquet:
I'll keep you all posted and will continue to keep checking on how you are all doing.
Goodnight :wave:
Suzanne.
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What fantastic news!! So pleased for you. I am sure Faith will soon be walking ok. I suppose Martin will be surprised to see her stood up .....
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Oh wow, what a result ;D :thumbsup: ;D
I think you two have worked marvels - and she has a very appropriate name :love: as you didn't give up on her :thumbsup:
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Wonderful news. Well done for all your hard work and commitment to her.
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Brilliant news. well done. :bouquet:
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Hi All, :wave:
Just an update. Faith appears to be doing well, Martin is a right little bruiser! :goat: She is walking well, but still gets stuck now and again. She is not able to stand all the time and I think Martin knocks her over fairly often. ::) But she is still making progress.
I tried the pasta, as suggested! Just like crisps, she loves them!!!!!!!! ;D ;D
If we ever get any good weather I'll take some photo's of them.
As Marty is coming up to 3 months, I am going to have to separate them soon, any ideas as to how I can do this without traumatising Faith?
Thanks all,
Suzanne.
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Is the wee man castrated? If yes, then just put a hurdle across the pen and put him in there and keep milking the nanny. Needs to be for a while, so he doesn't try and drink again in a few days time...
If you don't need the milk and don't want to keep milking her (and from her state of health as you describe it may be best to give her as much a chance of full recovery as possible and it would be easier for her if she was dry), then just keep them together as he will take less and less milk, or separate and just ease her out for a few days and reduce her feed to hay and water until she is dry. Then slowly start to feed her up a bit.
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Hi All,
Faith is still in milk even though Martin is not suckling from her and is weaned off the bottle also. We have left her for days on end in the hope that she would dry up, bearing in mind that she wouldn't let him suckle previously. We had given her loads of fluids for ages whilst she was still quite sick. But none extra for ages. Martin is not castrated but we will have to get that seen to shortly as he is 3 months now!!!!!!!
We hope to have another fence built and have him in a pen by the end of the month.
A very full udder is hampering Faith's walk. No mastitis thank God, but we cannot leave her too long before we milk her, I thought she would have dried up by now! Any advice please?
Suzanne
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Defo milk her....possibly irregular intervals but never leave her for more than 48hrs . The only time you can stop altogether is when the milk has dropped to about half alitre.
Mastitis can set in quite suddenly.....fly bite can trigger it.... and with a full udder you would be in trouble.
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Thank you, will do, is there anything we can do to dry her up?
I'd rather she was putting her energy into putting on weight.
She could do with putting some on. :goat:
Many thanks,
Suzanne.
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No just irregular milking and not emptying the udder completely......this tricks the goat into thinking that milk was surplus and gradually produces less. Dont stop feeding her.....just reduce the protein level to about 12/14% by diluting it with rolled barley & soaked but well squeezed out Sugar Beet.
This equates to say : 1 scoop coarse mix ....16%, 1 scoop barley .. 10%, 1 scoop S/beet..7%, added together = 33% divide by 3 ..= 11% . So you could add a little more coarse mix to increse the protein. Divide this amount of food into 2 or 3 meals. Add minerals, preferably Brinicombes Balancer, and in a few weeks you will start to see a definite improvement. I personally would use the round scoop as a measuring aid. When an animal has lost a lot of weight, it will take a longer time to recover.
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Many thanks, we will try that. :bouquet:
Suzanne.
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Brinicombes number is 01363 778792. Your land is likely to be copper short in any case.........90% of all land in Uk doesn't contain sufficient copper for goats!!!!! I would get a tub and feed the Balancer to all your goats......at least you will know they are getting EVERYTHING they need. There have been some spectacular reports from people ....... experienced goat keepers as well........... who are seeing their goats improve in a way they didn't think possible.
Just put the amount of Balancer into some soaked Sugar Beet.....so far no goat has refused it, fed in this way !!