Posted by Sandy L on February 10, 2002 at 09:22:59:
My doe was being treated 2 weeks prior to the c-section for pregnancy toxemia but was not responding to the treatments and that was the reason my vet and I decided on the c-section surgery. The evening prior to the surgery my doe went down and couldn’t even hold her head up on her own. Inducing labor at that point was not even an option since she was so weak. My vet and I both knew the chances of my doe surviving and recovering were probably against her, but the surgery was preformed with the hopes of her recovering fully. I had a due date of around April 8th or 10th on this doe. I had 3 more does that were bred the same time frame as this doe and they went ahead and had normal births on April 8th, 10th, 12th with no assistance needed. My vet had done several c-section surgery before my doe,but most of which were due because of difficult births. My doe also had an abdominal s-section. The incision was made right behind her naval back to almost to the very front of her udder. We had kid movement prior to the surgery, but my vet told me once my doe started receiving the gas anesthesia she would have to work quick because what the doe was receiving the kids would also be affected by it. And sure enough when my doe went under the kids all but stopped moving. We didn’t know there were 3 of them little buggers until they were brought out one, by one, by one. The kids were not moving when delivered, but once they were swung a couple of times it was then that they started breathing and moving. I think the key to my kids surviving was the quickness. My vet know she had to work fast once she started the surgery to get the kids out alive. Even tho they were somewhat premature, and small they all lived. My doe was then sewed up with I think in 3 different layers. The uterus first then the abdominal walls and the last was the outer fold of skin. She did come out from under the anesthesia gas and was given warm fluids and antibiotic, but passed away the following evening . Really to no surprise to me nor, Dr. Michele that she passed away. My doe’s temp was below normal (I can’t remember what it was) and she was very anemia prior to the surgery. I would have to believe that if a doe has been in labor on her own for sometime prior to the c-section being preformed ( and in other wise good heath) I would think the chances of the kids surviving would be a lot less for them then for the doe. But the key is to act fast I think in any of these instances and to have a vet that knows goats. My vets clinic is about 5 or 6 miles from my house and I’m probably one of her 15 or so true goat clients over the last 8 years now. I think 8 years ago my girlfriend and I were Dr. Michele’s only goat clients when she first started out as a Vet. I hope all goes well with everyone's kidding season. Sandy & Kids