Category Archives: Goat Vet Corner Files

Three stages of Labor, Distress Signs, When and How to Assist. Kidding is stimulated by the fetus release of corticosteroids.This stimulates the doe to release PGF2a (lutalyse essentially) and the process starts. As the time gets close the udder may fill, over a few days or weeks but often quickly over 24 hours. Pelvic ligamentsContinue reading “Doe In Labor”

The following is for NORMAL deliveries for new goat owners. Doe is kidding what should I expect ? Kids will typically arrive within 30 minutes of one another sometimes less time will pass, sometimes more. Within seconds of being born, the kid should start breathing and struggle to become sternal (lay upright on their chest)Continue reading “Goat Kidding Normal Birth”

Goats can be prone to eye injuries, just by the nature of the beast. They are very curious and like to stick their heads where they are not supposed to Scratches on the cornea, puncture wounds, foreign bodies in the eye, torn eyelids, irritation from dust or hay particles that cause conjunctivitis (red eye), andContinue reading “Eye Trauma”

Being present at the birth of goats kids is always rewarding and many times a frightening affair. While majority of goats give birth in a timely manner, they often break in between kids, making it difficult to know when birthing is completed. Fortunately, there is a method called “bouncing” or “bumping” that can help determineContinue reading “Bump Or Bounce Method To Check On A Pregnant Doe”

By Deb Haines – Be Prepared, Be Alert..It’s that time of year ! Hypothermia Which literally means ‘temperature below normal’, occurs when too much body heat is lost or too little body heat is produced, and the result is a drop in body temperature. can be a problem in newborn or sick animals, and isContinue reading “Cold Goat/Kid”

By Dr. Chastine – The Importance of Colostrum In some cases, kids don’t get adequate colostrum – This can be a serious health hazard for the kid › Colostrum contains antibodies (proteins that fight disease) – Newborn kid’s immune system is naïve, hasn’t produced antibodies yet – Mom’s first milk (colostrum) contains these antibodies, especiallyContinue reading “The Importance of Colostrum”

By Deb Haines – Interventions When Things Go Wrong Kid was just born apparently lifeless: Doesn’t start breathing and doesn’t try to roll up onto its sternum. What should I do ? A) Clear face of fetal membranes B) Use blue suction bulb to clear fluid from nostrils C) Open mouth gently to make sureContinue reading “Newborn Kid Tips… Lifeless kid”

By Deb Haines – 1) What is the best things to do for a newborn who is just sluggish/weak for no apparent reason? Answer…..Karo syrup or pancake syrup a simple, rapid sugar blast rub it on their gums. The idea is to give just enough energy to be able to suckle, which then provides theContinue reading “What is the best things to do for a newborn who is just sluggish/weak for no apparent reason? What is a normal poop for a newborn kid, are there ways to avoid the “he was fine last night”?”

By Deb Haines – Teaching A Baby Goat To Take A Bottle. Bottle babies can be frustrating at times, for not all goat babies are eager to take the bottle. This is not natural to them and the nipple is a foreign object. If the baby refuses to take the bottle you must work withContinue reading “Teaching A Goat Baby To Take A Bottle”