To Kate and others who followed my goat ordeal: A day after we stopped feeding him anything but hay and water, he improved dramatically. My 12 yr old son did most of the caring. Gave the buck Milk of Magnesia (had noticed clumps of stool instead of small individual pellets), offered baking soda ( he took about two tablespoons ), and walked him a lot (he tended to get up and go down often). After a day of this, the life began to come back into his eyes and he would focus on us, looking at our faces. His energy also made a distinct improvement. At that point, still no baaing (or whatever we call it when goats make noises with their vocal chords) which told me he still wasn't out of the woods, but he was on his way out. On the second day of treatment, he put his front feet on the top rail of his pen and I knew he'd be fine. He also started making more noise and generally being obnoxious when it was time to eat. That's when I knew I had my healthy goat back and I could take a deep breath again. For those interested in the more personal aspect of what was an ordeal to a greenhorn like me, read the posting "Debt of Gratitude" under the Goat Barn catagory of the Contryside bulletin board page (there's probably a better name for that page, but I don't know it). Thanks again to all who offered help to a very frustrated man and his son who wanted to do right by that goat. It ended with smiles and a healthy animal. Scout

-- Scout (Scout@kanokla.net), February 06, 2000

Answers

For the benefit of others who will face this problem,my secret for dealing with this is both old and new... kaolin clay(the only kind that works),mix with enough mineral oil to make semi-liquid. Indians used it(sans mineral oil)for diarrhea. Nothing like it in antibiotics and strong remedies apt to do more harm than good. I guarantee it to work. If no kaolin clay is available, buy Kaopectate and give adult dose. Some times to or more doses are needed,usually one is enough. Repeat adult(human) dose given on label if more bowel movements are noted.It works by adherng to stomach,flaking off,taking the bacteria. with it. Simple but so effective. At one time my herd was 60 goats, I have used it dozens of times with no failutres. Of course, if diarrhea is caused by worms, poison,etc, a different treatment is needed and it is best to consult a vet or Countryside readers,who know nearly every remedy for diarrhea in the pharmacopeia. Gordon

-- Gordon Crump (longrider1@kih.net), September 10, 2000.