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     Maureen T. Austin New member Username: mtaaustin Post Number: 3 Registered: 12-2006 Posted From: 216.162.219.189 Rating: N/A |
Update on Thor...the vet diagnosed a slipped disc (as much as he can without an MRI). We gave him IV Cortisone and IV Fortified Vitamin B just in case it's not a disc. I got a weeks supply of diminishing dose Cortisone to give IM and 3 days of F Vitamin B. I had to switch to sub Q after the first day. He was feeling so much better there was no way he was going to stand still (yes, he is on his feet and moving) for a butt shot. I had to partition off half of my 10 x 20 shed for him and move 3 of my other goats into another shed. He now has just 2 does to keep him company when they choose to be inside but he can hear and usually see them even when they are in the small paddock.He has to be confined for "bed rest" for 30 days. Then we will see if that did the trick or I am in for a difficult decision and potentially huge expense. | ||
| Maureen T. Austin New member Username: mtaaustin Post Number: 2 Registered: 12-2006 Posted From: 66.52.222.182 Rating: N/A |
Thanks Maggie. He did get up for about 5 mins last night on his own and walk around the 10ft x 20 ft shed a little. He looked like a 90 yr old man that had lost his walker. I will try to get him up as much as I can but it will be difficult if he won't cooperate. I am on my own here and he out-weighs me by quite a bit. I will get the wormer and Fortified B tomorrow from my local feed store and/or order it on-line. I usually de-worm sub-Q 2 x yearly. I didn't know you could give the injectable orally. Thanks again for the advice. I'll let you know how he does. Maureen | ||
| Maggie Leman New member Username: mleman Post Number: 45 Registered: 07-2005 Posted From: 72.154.75.17 Rating: N/A |
Make sure to get him up several times a day ad massage his legs to keep the circulation going. A goat that is down for any length of time starts to lose the muscles and tendons in his legs. They atorphy to the point the legs will no longer straighten. First thing to check for is anemia from worms. Check his lower inner eyelid for color (pull the eyelid down and out so you can see the inner surface). It should be very deep pink almost red. If it is pale pink or white he is anemic from worms, and this can cause weakness. Gum color is not a good indication of anemia. I recommend deworming with Ivermectin Injectable for Cattle give 1 cc per 25 pounds but give it orally. Most of the white dewormers such as Panacur and Safeguard are no longer effective at any dose. Repeat the dose in 2 weeks. Be sure to give enough, it is safe even at 25 times this amount. Just in case he has a touch of polio (thiamin deficiency, worms can cause this, or just being off feed, aything that upsets the normal appetite and diet). I would also give Fortified B Complex twice a day by SQ injection at 1 cc pe 20 pounds. If all you can get is the regular B complex use that but give 1 cc per 10 pound twice a day. Also this is very safe any extra B vitamins is easily passed in the urine. | ||
| Maureen T. Austin New member Username: mtaaustin Post Number: 1 Registered: 12-2006 Posted From: 216.162.219.189 Rating: N/A |
Following the huge wind storm 2 weeks ago in Western WA my 6 goats were all freaked out. I noticed my large wether (~200lb Nubian/Boer)lying down most of the time and being wobbly when he did stand up. Normally he is the boss and very bossy. He can and does poop and pee and move his tail but his back legs just seem to go out from under him if he tries to move around much. I can't see any obvious injury. He isn't feverish, his eyes are bright and clear but he is very quiet so I know he doesn't feel good. Normally he talks all the time I am in the shed. My vet and his back up are out of town until the 2nd Jan and all the vets they left as emergency contacts are equine only. I am making sure he has food within reach and offer him water from a small bucket 2 x daily. Any suggestions? |