Nigerian Dwarf Doe won't gain weight

[HighNoon]

I have two does - a mother and daughter (I do not milk the mom, and daughter seems weaned except for the occasional comfort nursing). The mother is a bit over 2.5 years, and the daughter is about 11 months old. The daughter is slightly overweight, but Little Mama, who has never been particularly big, is getting skinnier! I worm regularly, they eat timothy, graze the property, and are supplemented with rice bran (for Little Mama), some safe choice as treats, and goat minerals. I had the vet come out and do a fecal and blood test. He thought her body condition was fine, but I know he likes animals a bit bony for a number of reasons. Her blood work came back with what I thought were some concerning results, but again he thought it was fine. Has anyone experienced anything similar to this? I just know something isn't right, but I don't know where to look next... I'm attaching the results for her fecal and blood work for anyone who may know something about this.

For those of you who don't want to read the results, the long and short is that her Creatinine Kinase, BUN, and Phosphorous are high, and her creatinine, AST, and choloesterol, are low.

 

[cassie]

Did he run a test for Johnes?

 

[sylviethecochin]

I nearly D'd in college mammalian physiology, so don't ask me for help, but you have creatinine listed twice.

EDT: Okay, creatine kinase and creatine. Got it.

 

[Lazy Farmer]

More protein and carbohydrates. I use 18% conventional grains mixed with corn grits for weight gain.
Welcome to the site!
You should join us over at BackYardHerds.com
as well. Huge goat community there as well. Our sister site by same owners of this site.

 

[HighNoon]

Did he run a test for Johnes?

No he did not...

 

[HighNoon]

I nearly D'd in college mammalian physiology, so don't ask me for help, but you have creatinine listed twice.

One is Creatinine and one is Creatinine Kinase

 

[HighNoon]

More protein and carbohydrates. I use 18% conventional grains mixed with corn grits for weight gain.
Welcome to the site!
You should join us over at BackYardHerds.com
as well. Huge goat community there as well. Our sister site by same owners of this site.

I will try that. I'm stumped as to why her daughter is slightly overweight, but she seems to be a hard keeper. They eat the same and the daughter isn't bullying her out of food.

 

[cassie]

I will try that. I'm stumped as to why her daughter is slightly overweight, but she seems to be a hard keeper. They eat the same and the daughter isn't bullying her out of food.

I am not saying your goat has Johnes, but I am always suspicious when one animal is in poor condition and the rest are not. I will give you a brief rundown of what to look for. Goats are usually infected with Johnes as kids but it may not manifest itself for years. Usually, the goat is fine until shortly after kidding and then there is a steady lost of weight. Johnes goats look like they have worms but worming doesn't help. The coat may be rough and the mucous membranes are pale. The appetite is good and they are alert. Pull down the eyelid and look at the color. Is it a bright pink or is it pale or white? If this description fits your goat, have her tested.

 

[HighNoon]

I am not saying your goat has Johnes, but I am always suspicious when one animal is in poor condition and the rest are not. I will give you a brief rundown of what to look for. Goats are usually infected with Johnes as kids but it may not manifest itself for years. Usually, the goat is fine until shortly after kidding and then there is a steady lost of weight. Johnes goats look like they have worms but worming doesn't help. The coat may be rough and the mucous membranes are pale. The appetite is good and they are alert. Pull down the eyelid and look at the color. Is it a bright pink or is it pale or white? If this description fits your goat, have her tested.

Thank you for the thoughtful reply. I had to look up Johne’s disease. I’ll be able to look her over this afternoon. Is there a reliable test for it? I found conflicting things about that on the internet. I really hope that’s not the cause.

Someone else suggested that her daughter still occasionally comfort nursing may be causing it. I’ll take a picture of her body condition and udder when I get a chance.

 

[cassie]

Thank you for the thoughtful reply. I had to look up Johne’s disease. I’ll be able to look her over this afternoon. Is there a reliable test for it? I found conflicting things about that on the internet. I really hope that’s not the cause.

Someone else suggested that her daughter still occasionally comfort nursing may be causing it. I’ll take a picture of her body condition and udder when I get a chance.

The blood test for Johnes is fairly accurate, but nothing is 100%. If the goat has a rough hair coat, has pale mucous membranes, steadily continues to lose weight no matter what she is fed even though she has a good appetite, Johnes is the most likely culprit.