[ewesaidit]

Hi  My friend has a very ill cashmere goat.  The vet has been - she has kidney failure and vitamin B12 deficiency (previously treated and recovered but now recurred).  She is rather thin and also sore on her feet.  She has been given Metacam and an appetite stimulant.
I'm trying to help if I can but I have sheep and don't know anything about goats!  What would you recommend to help?     I have given him some sugar beet shreds to soak and offer her and suggested he puts a coat of some sort on her.
Can goats suffer from fluke?  What about worms?    I presume the vet will have covered all angles but maybe not
Any advice welcome, thanks
 
 
 

[colliewoman]

Yes goats can have both worms and fluke. As to how to treat them in such a sick animal I am unsure. The drenches can be quite hard on them.
I would be giving her some course mix, as much good hay as she will eat, twigs/veg ANYTHING fresh and juicy that she will eat.
Plenty of warm water too, when they are sick they need loads of water but prefer it warm.
Twin lamb drench might be good?
Did the vet say what caused the kidney failure?
It is hard to try to help as without knowing the cause
Good luck

[ewesaidit]

thanks Colliewoman - sorry I don't know the cause - will ask him tomorrow
I wondered about drenching in such an unwell animal too and presumed the vet would have suggested that if it was appropriate so best left alone for now
will pass on your tips - much appreciated
 

[jaykay]

Poor 

Things my ill girl would eat, when she wouldn't eat 'proper' food:

Small amounts of ivy - seems to stimulate the appetite and a few strands are ok
ReadiGrass/JustGrass - freeze dried grass you can buy for horses
Flaked maize
Digestive biscuits

I'm sure keeping her warm and comfortable will help.

As CW says, they can get worms and fluke but the vet would probably have dealt with those if they thought that was the issue.

[ballingall]

Fluids, fluids, fluids and more fluids. If she won't drink, drench her with liquids. To give her kidneys any chance of improving,you have to try and flush fluids though her. Offer her warm water, warm water with treacle or molasses in it, life aid, even try giving her goats milk if she will drink (pure milk isn't as good a fluid, diluted milk would be better).


You need to get her a little better before hitting her with fluke medicines and the like. Anti inflammitaries and painkillers are more important just now.


Try her with fresh veg, maybe soaked beet pulp, both have good fluid levels as well.


Beth

[Anke]

Mine like some honey in their warmed water...

[ewesaidit]

thanks everyone  - your help is very much appreciated - will give you an update tomorrow hopefully