We got a couple of new goats and their kids over the weekend am noticing that one of the kids has an occasional cough and this am noticed a little nasal discharge so I'm leaning towards pneumonia ... would you agree?
Is there any other way to treat it other than antibiodies?
Penny, I hope you have them quarentined from all other animals? I am not sure and I hope others that are more knowledgable will help you. But they may need a shot of antibiotics. Where did the come from? Do you know the people? You would need to take the temps of each goat too. I think normal is about like us. I have a goat that has allergies and has green discharge from her nose. It's disgusting but doesn't last too long. But no cough. You may need to call a vet also. But DO keep them away from all other goats until you know for sure what this is. You could infect your whole herd quick.
actually goats temps. run higher than ours- sometimes my goats have nasal discharge i usual just cut some pine branches for them to nibble on-hope that helps
Penny it sounds alot like shipping fever which happens when they stress from moving them from one place to the other. They usually cough and have nasal dishcharge. This is a very serious matter. Antibiotics is the only thing that will pull them out of this. Shipping fever is hard to get rid of and it will take them down fast. Its kinda like pneumonia but in some ways worse. Get on it right away and make sure they eat and drink well. If their body temp is between 102 and 103 that is normal. If its higher then they need something to bring that down. good luck.
I did contact a vet (or 2 or 3) and did get an antibiotic shot so hopefully on the mend. Still coughing some tonight.
Maybe just as important was the search for a goat vet. I so wanted to use a local vet, but the response was "well, most medicines aren't dosed for goats, so I'll have to do some research and get back to you...I think I have a book at home that might ..." I had heard that there was a vet who is also a goat owner about an hour away so called him for a 20 second conversation as he knew immediatly how he wanted it treated. Lesson learned. I at least have the comfort factor of having a goat vet at fingertips!
Glad you were able to find a vet to help. Hopefully they will respond very quickly. If you have some chewable vitamin C this would help support their immune system and also some raw carrots and apples. Not alot but a few chumks everyday.Good luck and let us know how they are doing.
Sick Goat ?
Posted - May 04 2010 : 05:01:28 AM
