I have a baby pygmy goat. She is almost 3months old. She is not her self. I got her out today and she could not stand. I thought she was going to die. I gave her a bottle and she seemed to snap out of it. She seems to have a cold in her eye and she has trouble with her front legs they seem to give on her. About a week ago she did not want to take the bottle anymore so I thought she was done with the bottle.How long do they take the bottle? Should she only take the bottle? She is eating food fine. Some times her stools are ok and other times her stool is not ok. I have her inside now because it has gotten cold outside. This is my first baby goat.Please help me I dont want my goat to die.

-- Kristen (richkris@qis.net), October 18, 2001

Answers

Well Kristen, since no one has responded publically, at least, all I can give you is the following Goat 911 web address: http://www.goatworld.com/911/ Best of luck, and sorry I'm not able to help other than that.

-- Leslie A. (lesliea@mm2k.net), October 18, 2001.

Kristen, I have no experience with pygmy goats. Mine are nubian. What do you mean sometimes her stools are o.k. and other times not o.k.?? Is she having diarrhea? By cold in her eye are you saying it is running?? What color?? Is the eye pink?? I hope the 911 goat site is able to help or maybe Vicki has experience with pygmy type goats. I just happened to not be able to sleep or I would not be on this late.

-- diane (gardiacaprines@yahoo.com), October 18, 2001.

Kristen, if you really want her to live, get her to a vet as fast as you can. Goats do not last a long time in scenarios like this unless something drastic is done- at least that has been my sad experience. Home remedies are great but at a time like this you can't afford to see if it will work or not. Call around until you can get a vet who will see your doe. I hope she will be alright. :)

-- Rebekah (daniel1@itss.net), October 19, 2001.

Have you taken her temperature? Normal is around 102. It could be several different things, but my first thought with going off feed and having inconsistent stools is that it may be cocci. It needs to be treated immediately with a cocci treatment, vit B and probois. If she is running a temperature it could be a cold or pneumonia with the runny eyes and you need to give an anti-biotic, along with vit B and probois. I would take the temperature and then try to get a vet or someone from the 911 number already metioned and try to explain the symptoms. When they get this weak often they need immediate treatment to pull through it. Hoping your girl has a speedy recovery.

-- Leslie in Western WA (sundaycreek@gnrac.net), October 19, 2001.

Weakness could be a Thiamin defficency, but it also can be caused by anemia, from the off and on diarrhea. Agree with Leslie and it is probably cocci or worms. It is almost always cocci or worms or the combination of both in a goat this age. Pygmies are usually very hardy little guys. Might want to come visit the goat shed and get Patty on this, she is our small goat guru! http://content.communities.msn.com/TheGoatShed/

I am on goat 911 site at goatworld.com if you can't afford a vet in the morning call me. Vicki

-- Vicki McGaugh (vickilonesomedoe@hotmail.com), October 19, 2001.