I took my little doe to the great goat vet yesterday, and even he was surprised. She has ear mites. He says he's never seen it, but they get into the inner ear and eventually kill the goat. Ivermectin 1cc/100 lbs, dexamethasone for inflamation, and lo and behold, her head is almost upright this morning. Poor little thing--I feel so guilty for not taking the time to drive her to the vet earlier. She's no longer wild, thinks I'm her best buddy, and is the easiest thing to milk.

Thanks again to all. Since I hadn't seen this mentioned before, thought I'd let you all know.

-- Teresa (otgonz@bellsouth.net), August 10, 2000

Answers

Almost forgot something. The vet also said I killed the kid by giving dexamethasone. I had to come back to the forum to check which came first, the meds or the dead baby. I guess I'll have to call him first next time I panic.

-- Teresa (otgonz@bellsouth.net), August 10, 2000.

They say every grey cloud has a silver lining. At least she know you are her friend now, and you have an easy milker. Keep is posted on her progress.

-- Leann Banta (thelionandlamb@hotmail.com), August 10, 2000.

Glad you found out what was wrong Teresa, a couple of us emailed privatly each other when you had said you had given her Dex when she was pregnant. Since at the time the Dex seemed to help her improve the advice to continue made no difference since she would have kidded with more drug or not. It would have helped mature the lungs if the kid was near enough to term. I am a capri medic over at Goatworld.com they have a 911 site, though we try everything we can at times, there is nothing more reliable than seeing with your own eyes the symptoms the person is trying to relay to you. Not sure if this is your only doe or not, but you may want to use ear wash in all of your goats, since you said you had a Nubian die of these symptoms earlier also. Definetly a problem you will have on your property, not a very common one, except for in LaMancha's. Vicki

-- Vicki McGaugh (vickilonesomedoe@hotmail.com), August 10, 2000.

Vicki: I noticed that one of our dogs seemed to have ear mites last week, and treated him. I have ten other goats, four dogs, one cat, about thirty rabbits, two horses, two pony mules, and fifty or so assorted poultry. I have enough ivermectin to treat the goats, but I'll have to use topical medication after that. All critters run around loose (can I call it free-range?) except horses, mules and rabbits, but the goats wander into their shed often enough. Can there be any connection? This property has not been inhabited for many years, maybe cattle twenty or thirty years ago. I don't know any history on this particular goat; she's fairly small, brown, and has ears that look like they should be upright but they fold down over her eyes. The goat that died last year came from good stock and was healthy until she died. Do you suppose it would help to give them all ivermectin or something prophylactic in early summer next year? I really love my goats, and hate to think that neglect, even through ignorance, could cause them to suffer. I still can't believe I lived 44 years without goats. They are my favorite animal in the world.

-- Teresa (otgonz@bellsouth.net), August 10, 2000.

Teresa, awfully expensive to treat everyone with Ivermectin, I would just use an oil, I actually do this monthly to the goats, and dogs. Since ear mites can be found on any furbearing animal, would bear to reason if one class of animal on your farm has this than they all who have contact with this animal will get it. Remember that injecting Ivermectin at 1cc per 110 pounds will only delice, nose bot and miteacide your goats, this isn't a dewormer at this dose, or at this route. Just like using Ivomectin as a heartworm prevention orally it isn't enough of a dose to worm a dog either. I also don't know what my life would be like without my dogs and goats either. In fact when folks I haven't seen say Hi and do you still have your goats, I always think to myself that if I didn't have goats, I surely wouldn't live out in the boonies like this! Not hardly worth it. Vicki

-- Vicki McGaugh (vickilonesomedoe@hotmail.com), August 11, 2000.

Vicki--Thanks. I'll start treating ears today. I have another goat I'd love to talk to you about, but that will have to wait for another day. Building a house, and can't get on here often or stay long. Thanks also to everyone for their responses and concern.

-- Teresa (otgonz@bellsouth.net), August 11, 2000.