[Mellengrove]

Good morning everyone. I’m new to goats and have a new to me doe who is scheduled to kid in March. I believe her thyroid glands (thyroid and parathyroid) are enlarged. I’ve ordered kelp and am waiting for that to arrive and I’ll free feed that. Meanwhile, I’ve been painting the underside of her tail with iodine. My local cattle supply store gifted me some superiodine salt for dairy cattle but the instructions are for cattle and I’m not sure how to convert them for goats. Any ideas either how I would do that or what else I can do to supplement iodine. I think I’m seeing a small reduction in the swollen thyroid glands after a week of painting her tail but not as much as I would like. I realize that we need to get this right before too long or we’ll lose her kids.

Thanks Mel (and Hazel the doe),
Mellengrove.
Creston, BC

 

[Cedarwinds Farm]

Can you post a photo of the superiodine salt, including the feeding instructions for cattle? I would think that may be something you could put out free choice for her, so she can take what she needs.

 

[Mellengrove]

Can you post a photo of the superiodine salt, including the feeding instructions for cattle? I would think that may be something you could put out free choice for her, so she can take what she needs.

Thank you. Here is a link that includes instructions: SUPER IODIDE SALT feed supplement for iodine deficiencies

 

[Boer Mama]

I always thought painting the tail with iodine was the fastest way to get them back up to levels. Does it still absorb in as fast?

 

[Cedarwinds Farm]

That looks like a super concentrated product. I don't know if it would be safe to feed free choice or not. She would only need a tiny amount in her food. You might consider putting out iodized table salt, until your kelp gets there. Or you could order an iodine mineral here: Minerals – Little Avalon Farm
You can get a whole mineral kit, or just get the iodine. I am not sure if they ship to CA or not, but it would be worth looking into.

 

[Mellengrove]

Thanks so much. I’ll try the iodized salt first.

 

[Cedarwinds Farm]

Thanks so much. I’ll try the iodized salt first.

I would also continue painting the iodine under her tail until she's no longer absorbing it quickly. It may take a while to resolve her issues completely, if this is a long standing deficiency issue.

 

[Mellengrove]

I always thought painting the tail with iodine was the fastest way to get them back up to levels. Does it still absorb in as fast?

It is still absorbing. I’m doing it 2x a day and it is gone when I reapply. Which I hadn’t really thought about until you mentioned it.

 

[toth boer goats]

Seems really strong, so I don’t know it to be safe.
Can easily overdose the superiodine salt.