Posted by Bernice on April 07, 2001 at 16:52:49:
In Reply to: Re: SNEEZING NORMAL? posted by bobbi on April 07, 2001 at 15:34:33:
well.... sneezing, its something goats do from time to time, they also like to blow raspberries as well. Thats actually their startle reflex, an instinct so to speak when they are alarmed. But back to sneezing. The sneezing may be a respiratory infection, have you taken their temps? It can be the results of any number of things. Its hard to tell especially when you buy from a stockyard sale. I hate to sound glum here, but from past experiences from yrs ago, there is always a reason why they are at a stockyard sale or auction. And several folks also can share their stockyard or auction barn sorrow stories i'm sure. Thats not to say all are bad, there are rare instances which you might luck out and find a good healthy goat, but then if you did they are exposed to every cotten picking disease in the barn.
It may be pasturella or the snots, are they coughing alot too? This is the result of imporper ventilation and being in a closed area. To treat effectively you need sulpher antibiotics. But then you have to get that either from your vet or Jeffers.
The sneezing may be allergies, depends. it also may be a sign of problems such as CAE or CL. If you need information on that you can look in the archives or just holler and I'll try to give a CAE/CL 101 crash course.
Try taking their temp, normal is about 102. any other signs, like large knees, bumps? etc? it would probably be a good idea to worm them as well. hope this helps some.
Bernice