Very weak newborn goat, HELP!

[bheila]

Ditto to using a hairdryer to warm him. It will take hours sometimes. I've had to do it before myself and it works way better then a heating pad. I've also used space heaters that have a fan that blow the heat. You can buy BoSe gel if you can't get BoSe injectable from a vet since it's Sunday I'm assuming most are closed. Do his lungs sound wet?

 

[Chatychick]

Bo-se is something you have to get from a vet. Has he passed his meconium yet...its his first poop, if they dont they usually wont nurse. If his mouth is cold he is going downhill fast. Got to cover him up and have n heating pad. got to get something warm in him even if its SQ fluids that have been warmed. I keep lactated ringers for this. I warm it and give just under the skin...baby goats are alot of work and also heat the solostrum slowly. it has to be at least 102 which is a goats natural temp for him to want to nurse it or do any good. too cool and will give tummy ache. Good luck
Just remembered if you have any vitamin e gel caps squeeze it into his mouth it will help also. I got mine at wal-mart. something to keep on hand also.

 

[Chirpy]

The fastest, and very safe, way to get a kids body temperature up quickly is to submerse his entire body in very warm water. Hold just his head out of the water. A bathtub or large sink works great for this.

Here's a link that also explains this: This person says to put the kid in a plastic bag - I've not heard of people doing that. They just put the goat in the water and then when the baby is warmed up they use a blow dryer to carefully dry the baby off. Also use towels to rub him dry. Rubbing helps to stimulate systems also.


http://www.goatworld.com/articles/hypothermia/hypothermiabh.shtml


Good luck, saving goat kids can be very difficult but can be done.

 

[SheriM]

I agree with the poster who said you need to tube feed him. If his suckle reflex isn't there, you'll never get enough colostrum into him with an eyedropper. Their gut lining can only absorb the antibodies for the first 12 to 24 hours. Tube feeding is the absolute best way to get the colostrum into them when they won't suck. If you can't find someone to show you how to tube him, try a google search.

Also, the immersion idea is a great way to warm them up. I do put them in a plastic bag. That way their fur doesn't get wet and you don't have to worry about a chill later when they're out of the water.

 

[suenrob]

Thank you all for the suggestions. He is almost gone now. I've warmed him and tried to feed him but he is too weak to even swallow. I don't know anyone who can tube feed and the vets aren't open today. I'm just keeping him warm and comfortable til he goes.

 

[bheila]

I'm sorry to hear that he won't make it

I know what it's like to loose little ones like that. It never gets any easier.

You did what you could for him.

 

[PotterWatch]

Sorry to hear he isn't going to make it, you definitely did the best you could.

 

[CityClucks]

Bless you for trying so hard.

 

[lilshadow]

I am so sorry to hear he isn't going to make it. Glad he had you there with him.

 

[Indiana hens]

A very touching learning process. I have seen them die at auction this way. I am more on the forced colostrum when freshly born within 1 hour! Which could mean squirting a syringe w/out needle to back of the mouth. Time flies at moments like this. Thanks for trying and learning for next time!