[melodrama]

One of my girls seems to have developed what looks like warts on her mouth and she is also off her food although she is eating her hay no bother.  I am really concerned though because she is just not acting herself and I just went to check on her there and there seems to be a little blood on the wall of her stall, almost like she's coughed it up.  Starting to panic and the waiting on the vet to call back - any ideas?  Is there anything I can do for her whilst waiting on the vet - Melanie x

[little blue]

what has she been eating eating recently?
some things (parsnips, turnips) can give them blisters around the mouth

have you checked her over for any other areas that the blood might have come from?

hope she is ok 

[Anke]

Check out pictures of orf (same as for sheep) on the internet and compare - she can get that from just nibbling on fence posts etc (if the field had sheep in before). It could possibly also have been brought in by your cow (who herself would be immune to it once she has had it). Orf is transmissable to humans, so please wear gloves when handling the blisters. It is best let to run its course, although the vet may prescribe a longacting antibiotic if there is a possibility of infection having entered through the cut. Nappyrash ointments (sudocream or similar) can be put ontp the blister to soothe. Orf itself is viral, and once they had it they will be immune for life. Goat No 2 may also get it at some point.

If she is eating her hay ok and drinking I would not worry, she should be ok in a couple of days time. Maybe put a bit of treacle into her drinking ewater to make sure she keeps drinking, and some aple pieces, banana or oatcakes should keep her going.

Also am a bit concerned that you say there is some blood around? Maybe she is also teething/loosing her baby teeth?

[melodrama]

It does look a bit like that Anke although not as bad as any of the pictures that I looked at.  I'll put some Sudocreme on it tonight and will make sure that I'm wearing gloves etc.  Can't see any problem with the teeth but I'll look again for that tomorrow.  She just seems a bit quiet but am keeping a regular eye on her.  I'll also keep an eye on Reba to make sure she is ok.  I am definitely changing vet for the goats though.  Before I got the goats they told me it wasn't a problem, they dealt with goats etc etc but he clearly didn't have a clue and when I asked him about any vaccinations and health checks they needed he doesn't know the answer!  Have to find someone local who knows (have one in mind) so that I'm not always worrying.  Bit of a worry wart 

[ballingall]

Hope she's ok- could be Orf as Anke suggests. Could be a reaction to mites as well, so might be best to get it checked.


Beth

[Anke]

How's the patient?

[Penninehillbilly]

  I am definitely changing vet for the goats though.  Before I got the goats they told me it wasn't a problem, they dealt with goats etc etc but he clearly didn't have a clue and when I asked him about any vaccinations and health checks they needed he doesn't know the answer!  Have to find someone local who knows (have one in mind) so that I'm not always worrying.  Bit of a worry wart 

Is there anyone else who keeps goats in the area? they may recomend a vet, or ask the local RSPCA (SPCA?) if they can recommend one?

I suppose she will be a bit quiet if the blisters are bothering her, I think they would make me feel a bit miserable.
Hope she's soon better.