Goat breathing heavy and clumsy

[Birdsong 82]

This evening I noticed My oldest goat Lucy breathing extremely heavy and not wanting to eat any grass or brush or anything and standing off by herself. (9 yrs old boer.) When she squat down to P she fell. And she’s walking with her back legs wide open but just kind of wants to stand by herself . But she’s breathing extremely heavy which is worrying
It’s almost like she’s struggling to stand at times. Any thoughts? I’m really worried. She seemed fine earlier today

 

[Birdsong 82]

Some say it’s silly to fuss so much over a goat but she’s more especially to my daughter

This wasn’t even a week ago. So it’s nice to have some people who can understand

 

[StinkyAcres]

Congestive heart failure? My last goat who was 12 years old seemed fine then suddenly fell, couldn't hold himself upright with is back legs, and was breathing very heavily. The vet thinks he had congestive heart failure and we put him down.

 

[JewelBirds]

The first two things that come to mind for me when it comes to goats and illnesses are internal parasites and pneumonia. First, I would check her FAMACHA score and take her temperature. If she looks anemic, I would definitely deworm her. Has she been coughing or have any discharge from the nose? Generally, for any sick goat you can start out with electrolytes/Nutridrench and B vitamin complex. I would also be worried about some other type of infection going on, or possible thiamin deficiency with trouble walking, but she could also be weak from any number of conditions. Did her pee look normal in color? No blood? No lumps in the throat? I would also be concerned about her possible eating something toxic to her. No introduction to new feeds?

 

[StinkyAcres]

of course she hast to start feeling this way Saturday night on an holiday weekend. But that’s how that works right?

ALWAYS!! I can't tell you how many times we've had animal emergencies on weekends, late evenings, or holidays in the last two years!

Come to think of it, my goat had been coughing for years (and the vets couldn't tell us why) before his heart finally gave out. So maybe your goat doesn't have a heart issue. I hope she gets better with vitamins etc.!

 

[Birdsong 82]

She’s gotten the point she can’t move anything and just breathing hard in our eyes are flinching up and down. I don’t think it’s too much longer. Just trying to comfort her

 

[Birdsong 82]

It’s been a steep downhill fast. She’s just laying there with her eyes twitching and heavy breathing. I don’t think she’s gonna make it much longer

 

[StinkyAcres]

Oh no, I'm so sorry. I've had a couple goats with high worm loads twitch their eyes and have seizure-like episodes.

 

[Birdsong 82]

She’s a strong girl. She didn’t make it to the shelter she was fine sleeping under the porch. I let the others stay out to go hang with her. My daughter refuses to leave oh she took Several camping blankets and a pillow to camp with them

 

[Birdsong 82]

Vet says sounds like possible listeria
Makes sense from what I’m reading. Not a good prognosis but. I have to put her dowMakes sense from what I’m reading. Not a good prognosis but. Even if it ends up being euthanizing I can’t let her suffer
They should be here any minute