Underweight goat - nutritional tips needed please!!!

[SpringChickens]

I have a goat which has lost a lot of weight recently, and doesn't really want to eat. She's recently become very lethargic as well, and I am very worried about her.

I've been making mashes for her out of grain and warm water, but she's not picking up the way I want her to. I'm also giving her 1 oz of Nutri-drench twice a day to help build up her energy, but I'm not sure it's doing enough. Any other tips?

Thanks!

 

[Chirpy]

Have you checked her for worms? When was she wormed last? How old and what breed is she? What is she getting to eat daily? Is she by herself? Knowing the answers to these things will help people help you.

 

[enola]

Is she bred ? And if she is, when is she due ?

 

[Chatychick]

I would get a temp on her and then go from there. She probably is wormy and needs to be wormed as during the winter they get very anemic with blood sucking worms that dont show on fecals. I would also treat her for cocci. Stress of almost any kind can bring it on. She might need some iron shots if she is really anemic. You will need to get it from the vet...dont cost much and while your there get some banamine to have on hand as it settles the tummy and relieves pain. What are you feeding her at this time. She needs good quality hay and either alfalfa or brome. Alfalfa pellets are good if you cant find the hay. When you got her what was she eating. Does she have access to any loose minerals? Baking soda helps a upset tummy also.

 

[Laskaland]

Quote:
That's what it sounds like...

 

[SpringChickens]

I'm fairly sure you are correct about the worms... as in almost 100% sure. I was worming her with fenbendazole, although I just learned that many worms are resistant to it, so I switched to ivermectin. My vet told me that worms are resistant to ivermectin too, so to give her moxidectin. I'm worried though that an effective dose of moxidectin will kill her.... especially since she went downhill after I gave her the ivermectin on Saturday.

She's in a pen with one other doe and they each had twins about 6 weeks ago. For feed, they have free range of my yard which is about one acre with lots of yupon trees and grass. They also get alfalfa pellets - almost free choice. I give them two full scoops every morning, and there's almost always some left the next day when I go to feed them again.

She is a nubian and we were told she was about 2-3 years old, however, she only has about 3 teeth in the front so we think she is a LOT older than that.

The iron shots sound like a good idea, I will see if I can get those for her. Any other suggestions? I'm tempted to wean her kids off of her because she's in such bad shape.

 

[SpringChickens]

Any other ideas?

 

[Granolamom]

Do you give her any grains at all? I'm a newbie to having goats, as well, but do think that they need grain, especially while they're nursing. Does she have access to lose minerals?

 

[SpringChickens]

Yes, they get *almost* free choice grain and alfalfa pellets (with decox, which I believe is for coccidiosis). They also have a mineral block.

I made her a mash this morning with alfalfa pellets, water, dark karo syrup (for lack of molasses) and baking soda which seemed to make her feel somewhat better.

 

[coberdor]

I'd add this supplement, which I've saved several adult goats with. http://www.pbsanimalhealth.com/cgi-local/SoftCart.exe/sheepgoat/dynegoatsheepsup.html?L+scstore+ybtk4531ff3a083a+1239350006

I use a drench syringe with it. They really seem to like it and you can add probios to it or other medicines. I've even used it on top of grain to encourage them to eat.

Good luck.