Posted by GoatWorld on March 19, 2002 at 12:27:47:
In Reply to: goat vomiting posted by Cindy L on March 19, 2002 at 10:47:30:
Hi Cindy,
On the goat that is vomiting - is there a possibility that the hay or corn was moldy? Personally I've never had much experience with a vomiting goat - other than the poisonous plants situation, but it really sounds like something that was ingested. I'd recommend providing baking soda to neutralize anything out of whack in the digestive tract and to balance the pH of the rumen. I'm sure some of the others here will provide some advice as well.
On the goat that is looking thin, have you been worming him and with what type of wormer and how much? There are a number of possibilities that come to mind right off - worms, diet, at worst, disease - not saying that it is a disease, but it is best to consider all the factors involved and then try to determine what it could be and what course of action to take. In a sort of "worst case scenario", CL or chronic wasting can cause this. A goat will eat and eat and eat and never seem to put on any weight. They continually remain thin while the disease runs rampant. I've heard that internal CL can cause this. And considering that these were "give away" goats to begin with, it might be the reason. Hope not.
Winter time can be extremely hard on animals, goats in particular because they are not getting the natural browse they would be getting in the spring, summer or fall. Alot of times, goats will eat in abundance through the browse months - enough so that winter won't bother them as severely, nutritionally. Is there any chance that these goats just weren't prepared for winter?
On the pinkeye, personally I'd spray the eyes and wash the face a couple of times a day. A number of remedies are available for this - I've used the yellow spray powder Furox successfully; Tetracycline drops or Penicillin can be used too. In addition, I'd give the antibiotic your vet provided as an injection (most probably a Tetracycline base) as prescribed for at least five days. Most important though is to wash the face and eyes a couple of times a day - make sure to wash your hands well too - pinkeye is a communicable disease that you can get.
Anyway, please let us know how things go and we'll try to help.
Best regards,
Gary