Posted by GoatWorld on December 29, 2002 at 08:55:35:
In Reply to: Wether goat question posted by Karen on December 29, 2002 at 08:06:28:
Hi Karen,
Sorry to hear you've been sick. We've been battling some kind of winter illness too - no fun.
Funny that you mention this because I am trying to assist a lady out in CA with a similar problem in a 6 year old buck. I've gone over several scenarios and am not really sure exactly what the problem is. I can only guess since I am not there in person to see the goat.
In your particular case, I am reading three distinct symptoms; 1) the discolored urine, 2) the snotty nose, 3) being off feed.
The first thing that comes to mind is the possibility of pneumonia. Especially since the runny nose - check for the discoloration of the nasal discharge. If it is colorful, chances are it is the beginning stages of pneumonia. I'd also check his temperature rectally. Of course, pneumonia will often not show a fever - slight if any in some types, but it could also indicate something else going on. Usually the first thing a goat coming down with pneumonia will do is not want feed - little if any at all. They will tend to stand off by themselves and even though they are standing on flat ground, they tend to hunch up like they are standing on a rock or something.
They will stay alert for the first few hours but not long after they will go down. With this weather the way it has been...up and down temp wise, it could be what is going on. I'd strongly recommend getting a vet to look at him and dose him with something like Nuflor. You might try Tylan 200 which is an over the counter prescription formulated for pneumonia, but I've had better luck with the prescription drugs rather than Tylan 200 - particularly in the more advanced stages.
Also, keep him well hydrated if you can. If he'll eat fruit such as oranges, that is great, but I'd add corn syrup and molasses to his water and get him to drink as much as possible. This will give him some quick energy as well as keeping him hydrated. In my experience with pneumonia, if the goat is still showing interest in liquids, they can be saved. If they won't drink, the pneumonia has advanced too far.
Now on the chance that it is Urinary calculi that is beginning, you'll need to dose him with cider vinegar, cranberry juice, or what's best is the ammonium chloride added in the water at a rate of 2 tsps. per gallon per day. But in all honesty Karen, what you are describing does not really sound like urinary calculi. That usually displays itself as the goat crying alot, laying down and standing up alot because they just cannot become comfortable. I would seriously look into a viral infection such as pneumonia but verify exactly who has the discolored urine as well.
Hope this helps. Best regards,
Gary