[Roxy]

For the past week, I have been getting Jinty up on her feet. massaging her legs, and encouraging her to try and take a few steps.  She was very wobbly, but every little improvment gave me encouragement.  Then on Wednesday morning she actually stood up on her own, and took four little steps towards her breakfast.  Same again at teatime, and  Thursday too.  On Friday morning,  she was up and looking over the half door to wait for her breakfast!!  Now walking round the shed like a good un!!  Plus, her eye which was drooping and horrible colour, is now wide open, and just slightly blurred, so much better.

I am picking her willow branches to nibble on which she likes.  Would be nice to take her a little walk, but weather so cold and wet, thats out of the question.  Its been a traumatic time, and when she had a relapse, I thought that was it ...... but she has proved she is a fighter, and its so good to see her on her feet.

Thank you all for your good wishes and support.

[Lesley Silvester]

That is such good news and shows that we should never give up hope.  Well done to you and Jinty. 

[Pedwardine]

Well done you. Your care and dedication has been rewarded. I'm sure Jinty must know you've been with her 100% through this awful time.

[wytsend]

What fantastic news !!!!

You might find putting a waterproof coat on her when she does go out for a bit  would be a good idea.   Her central heating system may not be functioning as well as it could be..... often is the case of an animal that has been ill/had a trauma..... you certainly don't need her to get a chill now.

Willow bark contains something that is essential to a poorly goat.... too early in the morning to remember what !!!!........was up late last night !!.      My experience with goats have shown me that they will do whatever they can to get the minerals etc.,  that instinctively they know is needed.

Have PM'd you

[Mammyshaz]

So glad to hear this roxy, you have worked so hard with her. 

[countrywoman]

Love and caring attention works wonders.  Well done.  Hope she continues to improve. 

[suzanne@waterfall]

I am so delighted for you both.
It's wonderful to see the fruits of your love and labour.
Suzanne.

[jaykay]

Well done Roxy  She's a lucky goat, having such a caring and dedicated 'mum' 

[salopman]

well done fantastic news

[little blue]

bless her, and well done you!
hope she carries on improving... and lets you recouperate too

[Tree Farmer]

Great news - and good to hear about the willow branches too

[Rosemary]

Excellent news 

[Penninehillbilly]

BRILLIANT!!
She wouldn't have made it without your care and attention, well done to both of you, realy chuffed for you
Doesn't willow have the basic 'aspirin' in the bark?

[jaykay]

That's it PHB, willow bark contains salicylic acid, which is what aspirin is.

So presumably chewing the bark gives goats the painkilling, anti-inflammatory and fever reducing results that us taking aspirin does. And the possible gastrointestinal bleeding, blood thinning side effects?

[Roxy]

Over many years I had lots of goats looking on their last legs, and I have climbed the wall onto the railway banking and picked an armful of willow leaves, and in many cases, the goats have improved, and start chewing their cud.  I was aware there was aspirin in it, and maybe the goats know this.

Last night I decided to move Jinty to the larger goat ark, so she would have more room.  Its only a matter of a few yards to walk - the other side of Carinas ark, but I enlisted husband to help, as there is mud around, and I have visions of Jinty falling over and me being unable to pick her up.  I had only seen her walk round the small ark, so did not know how good she would be.  No need for husband (or me!)  Jinty marched out, followed me, and walked as well as she has ever done.  I think she thought she was going back in with Carina, but I want to make sure she has her full strength back first.  She is only next door, so they can see/call to each other.