How can I tell if it is a retained placenta?

[rebecca100]

Night before last my momma goat miscarriedSInce I really don't know the cause I am afraid it may have been a disease, even though I really don't think so since I have not had any of the others abort or miscarry. But if it is, I want to know if there is any way to tell if she could have retained the placenta. I never found the baby either, just blood on her and an area of blood on the hay. She was very close to being due and I know that they can vary in gestation, but she acted strange and looked like she had been "gutted". I know that sometimes if it is a disease then they can retain the placenta. I am worried about her and can't afford a vet bill right now.

 

[griffin45]

This is a weighty question. Based on not having found a baby, I think that you may not have a choice about calling a vet. I would call and describe what happened and let them know that you really can't afford a vet bill at this time and see how much information you can get from them. Based on what you are saying I think they will recommend an ultra sound. I have not been down that road, but I hear it is not cheap. Be Blessed and you and you goat have our prayers!

Chris

 

[helmstead]

Sorry, but you'll need to get a vet involved. Meantime please take her temperature to find if she's running a fever.

 

[rebecca100]

Well it sounds kinda nasty, but my ds dog was in the pen and her belly was big, like she may have just had a good meal..... That is what I believe happened to the baby. Something definitely came out. She also had blood on her back legs where it had brushed, not dripped or drained. Plus her sides were caved in and there was nothing when I palpated her. The baby had been kicking less than 24 hours before.

 

[helmstead]

There's a good chance you just had a live birth go sour thanks to the dog. I have heard SO many horror stories to the same.

So sorry!

Like I've said...get a temp on her for the next few days. The placenta is expelled usually in the hour following parturation, so to dog may have eaten that as well.

Sorry if you already know...but does 'clean out' for up to 3 weeks post partem...so that drainage shouldn't alarm you UNLESS it stinks. Also check her udder, it's likely to be overfilled and could develop mastitis.

 

[rebecca100]

I have been watching her, and honestly I think if the placenta had been retained then part of it would have been sticking out. I guess I am just worried. It's my favorite doe and the last one I had that lost it's babies died within 12 hours of losing them. And I guess not knowing for sure what happened, like if the baby had been deformed or had signs of sickness, or even if the placenta had been passed or ANYTHING! I would rather have had the goat eat the dog, I think!!! No not really. Maybe.