[Reeces1234]

I had my 10 month old nigerian dwarf doe at the fair the past week. And about halfway through the week, I noticed that she was coughing. I asked one of the goat superintendents about it and he said it was because of all of the dirt and dust being kicked up from the other goats. But, as I brought her home, its a few days later and she still has a cough and a mild runny nose. She acts fine and normal, and eats normally. I'm not sure on what to give her or if I should give her something.

 

[happybleats]

Your superintendent could be correct, the dust can cause respititory problems, such a resp. infection...
Take her temp first..see how that is..101.5-103.5 is normal range.
is the runny nose clear or yellow/green discharge?

if temp is good and nose discharge is clear...give Vit. B complex and benedryl daily for a week...see how she does..but if her temp is high and r snot is yellow/green antibiotcs maybe needed...Tylan 200 is a good OTC choice for URI...

 

[ksalvagno]

Goats seem to always pick up something at the fair. If you have a vet, I would consult with your vet.

I am currently treating my 5 month old with Draxxin because she came down with pneumonia again. For the second time she still had no temp but vet verified that it was pneumonia.

 

[NyGoatMom]

Goats seem to always pick up something at the fair. If you have a vet, I would consult with your vet.

I am currently treating my 5 month old with Draxxin because she came down with pneumonia again. For the second time she still had no temp but vet verified that it was pneumonia.

That is so scary to me ever since you posted about them being sick....I mean, no temp, no nasal discharge, just a little heavy breathing?
I'll be panicking now every time they breathe heavy or sigh

 

[ksalvagno]

It really is just a matter of knowing what is normal for your goats. Not every sickness presents in the normal way. Most of the time you would see a temp but every time I took a temp, it was in the normal range. If you know your goats, then you can tell when they aren't feeling well. It is also a matter of realizing when your home treatments aren't working and you need the vet involved.

I tend to be a bit OCD with watching my goats and I'm constantly looking for problems. Goes back to my alpaca days since alpacas are so incredibly stoic. You really have to know them well to detect a problem.

 

[happybleats]

That really says it all Karen...My number one advice to soon to be new goat owners is to know your goats...spend time with them..know their habits. I have two lamancha's that stay HUGE as if bloated...any other goat here would be treated but I dont with these girls...its just they way they are (sisters) My Nubian Jasmine is a bit nutty...does this star gazing bit with a twist of the head backwards..any other goat would be treated for listeriosis or polio lol..its just her... when you know your goats the slightest difference in their behavior will alert you to keep watch...its the best medicine to start with
Reeces1234...go with your gut..if you feel more than B complex and benadryl is needed then do so...if you choose to go with antibiotics do it for 5 full days and then follow with probiotics to restore flora in her rumen...

 

[NyGoatMom]

Yep, you guys are right.... know the goat and half the battle is won

 

[Reeces1234]

The runny nose is a whitish color and a goat owner from down the street recommended to give her a little shot of penicillin. We are supposed to go on vacation with the family but I'm hesitant if I should stay home or not to keep an eye on her. I can't exactly drive because I'm not exactly 15/16! We already lost a goat to sickness last year and I am very nervous with leaving her... We have the person from down the street come and give her the shot, but I still want to keep an eye on her myself... I am not quite sure on what to do.

 

[happybleats]

Penicillin it needs to be done twice a day for a full five days for it to be effective. Will your neighbor be able to do this while you are away??

 

[cashmere]

This also happened to us last week my girls had a fever of 105 I took her to the vet she gave them all shots of antibiotics the are doing better but it had moved through out my Hurd now going to my bucks