Bloated 10 yr old pygmy goat - She passed :(

[thebritt]

She's been bloated and extremely uncomfortable for 5 days now. The vet came out and didn't know why (no diet changes). He said she was old and her rumen isn't working right, most likely. I called again day before yesterday - I asked if simithicone would help, and he said to go ahead and try. Didn't hurt/help. DH has been going out there to help her burp by holding her front end up (per vet's suggestion). Occasional burps, but little relief. So, I have some clean, clear plexi tubing (3/8" ID, 5/8" outter diameter) from work - I suppose we're to carefully stick this up her rear end to allow the gas to escape. I read it happens quickly and provides immediate relief. Has anyone had experience with this proceedure? I'm not sure how far in it will need to go. I will use a KY-type lube. Any suggestions sure would be appreciated!
Also, should she be fed anything besides her usual grass/alfalfa hay? She shares her 1/3 acre paddock with 2 other pygmies and 2 mustangs - they all eat the same stuff.
Thanks in advance!

 

[RHRanch]

I wouldn't try this without the vets guidance.

 

[greeneggsandham]

I'm not a goat person, but I did a quick search and came up with this link. http://goat-link.com/content/view/96/27/

It may help. I hope your goat gets better.

Just wanted to add. I don't think you can go in from the rear to let the gas out. I could be wrong though.

 

[PotterWatch]

We have had to tube a goat because of bloat, but the tubing definitely does not go in that way! Putting tubing into their rear is a very bad idea I imagine. I don't think it would do a thing to relieve the gas pressure and you would probably be likely to accidentally rupture something with the tube. Tubing is done through the mouth but has to be done very carefully so that you don't get the tube into the trachea instead of the esophagus. Have you tried other remedies yet such as baking soda? Do you offer baking soda free choice to your goats? Tubing is more of a last resort measure, imo.

 

[thebritt]

Quote:
Baking soda it is. I sure don't want to rupture anything, and upon studying the physical location of the rumen, definately not a good plan! Thanks!

 

[arabianequine]

You can go to the feed store and buy thera bloat drench....make up a small dose size a small goat maybe half or a quarter what it says for 500 lbs and under. It works great.

Walk them around a lot and push a bit on that side to get stuff moving. If the goat lays down and stays down make them get up and move around and get them to burp. If they won't get up that is when you have to worry and need a vet to puncture the rumen to get the air out. That is why this is done cause you have to do something fast at that point.

 

[dewey]

I've tubed goats but only via the mouth, and I have only punctured cattle, not goats. I hope

things work out with your goat...since it's been 5 days it might be a good idea to have the vet out to tube...I think it's actually easy to do, and very hard to get it into the lung since you can see the tube on the outside, and most things going into the lung will be met with violent objection...if you watch your vet do it the first time you'll be able to do it if needed again.

 

[critterranch]

free choice baking soda will help. you can also walk or lead goat up stairs . you can also have them stand on a high block or something. the trick is to have them stand with their front legs up and elevated and their back legs down on ground. this makes it so it can releave the gas . gravity and baking soda work wonders.

 

[spiritdance]

I know alfalfa is supposed to be the 'end all and be all' in hay, but honestly it's too rich for most goats. Incidences of bloat have been shown to increase with the percentage of alfalfa fed. It also has too much protein for horses if they're receiving any grain supplements at all. Ultimately, equines fed largely on alfalfa tend to develop kidney problems as seniors (or sometimes at younger ages), have more "nervous" energy leading to behavior problems, and have more trouble in hot weather. Coastal or even rye is a better choice for most critters. Save the alfalfa for the bunnies.

 

[thebritt]

Thanks for all the info! As for the alfalfa, it's a mixed bale w/grass, and no more than 20% alfalfa, though I know the goats like to pick it out. Free choice baking soda, walking up steps, and rubbing her rumen area sound like a good plan, with thera bloat drench to follow, if needed. Again, thanks!