Coughing... Lung worms OR Virus?

[NH homesteader]

Thanks for the update. Sounds like your friend the vet tech might be a good bet. Good luck at the vet! And glad to hear the others are doing great.

 

[Goat Whisperer]

Has he been checked for external parasites?

 

[Latestarter]

I don't own goats yet so am NOT speaking from experience... just from what I've read/learned, not personal experience. It seems you've covered the bases for internal parasites and the antibiotics should have taken care of any potential infections. The only other thing that comes to mind and I believe it's been discussed is mineral deficiency... selenium, copper, cobalt, and the other trace minerals that goats need... The only way to be 100% sure would be a blood mineral analysis. If the minerals are being provided and the goat is eating them, then that shouldn't be the issue either.

I don't want to sound mean or uncaring, & I'm not accusing or pointing fingers at the breeder (or you), but you may have been "stuck" with a goat that just wasn't "meant to be here"... Referred to as "failure to thrive" or other terms. There may be something physically wrong with the animal that just can't be "fixed". I am not sure if this only happens in very young/newborn animals, as I recall yours was born in July. I say this because parasites, internal or external, and viral or bacterial infections,would generally affect any other goats and the others aren't having any problems/issues. If I'm off base, I'm sure the pros will correct me here... Just something to consider...

Since your friend the vet tech has offered to help and try to get him better, I'd say why not? Hoping for the best.

 

[Hens and Roos]

sorry to hear your little goat is still not feeling well

 

[Goat Whisperer]

I don't own goats yet so am NOT speaking from experience... just from what I've read/learned, not personal experience. It seems you've covered the bases for internal parasites and the antibiotics should have taken care of any potential infections. The only other thing that comes to mind and I believe it's been discussed is mineral deficiency... selenium, copper, cobalt, and the other trace minerals that goats need... The only way to be 100% sure would be a blood mineral analysis. If the minerals are being provided and the goat is eating them, then that shouldn't be the issue either.

I don't want to sound mean or uncaring, & I'm not accusing or pointing fingers at the breeder (or you), but you may have been "stuck" with a goat that just wasn't "meant to be here"... Referred to as "failure to thrive" or other terms. There may be something physically wrong with the animal that just can't be "fixed". I am not sure if this only happens in very young/newborn animals, as I recall yours was born in July. I say this because parasites, internal or external, and viral or bacterial infections,would generally affect any other goats and the others aren't having any problems/issues. If I'm off base, I'm sure the pros will correct me here... Just something to consider...

Since your friend the vet tech has offered to help and try to get him better, I'd say why not? Hoping for the best.

Yes, you can have a failure to thrive animal but it doesn't necessarily mean this animal is one.

The poster didn't say the counts for the cocci or parasites. If this goat had a very high load it will take time.

I mentioned external parasites… generally when the goat has internal parasites it will have external. Most goats have them, but you can have some that really don't handle it well. I know several farms that have goats that are more sensitive to external parasites.

This goat most likely had these issues before the poster purchased him. It can take time for things like external parasites to really show.

Now they may or may not have them, I thought it would be worth noting. I have seen goats become very unthrifty due to external parasites. Now add that with the other issues. I know quite a few folks that have had chickens die from external parasites before they figured out the cause.
It's unlikely that a goat will die from it. It can certainly slow them down and causes weight loss/inability to gain especially when the goat is facing other challenges.

I do suspect there is a mineral/vitamin deficiency along with the other issues.

ETA: @Sara1226 sorry to hear you are going through a rough patch

 

[Sara1226]

Thank you for the replies. I agree external parasites could have brought his condition down, but he was checked for those twice.. and there was nothing. As mentioned, I do always put out a good quality goat mineral blend for free choice.. I HAD seen him eating it. Although the doctor still believes a selenium deficiency COULD still be possible.

So this is how the appointment went:
There was three of us there, my vet tech friend, the doctor, and myself. We all agreed that even IF his genetic background was a smaller size, as the breeder claimed... he STILL should be growing and gaining weight. He eats all day and his bones stick out! The doctor listened to his lungs and heard what he called a friction sound.
Given the fact that I have dewormed him several times, tried 2 different antibiotics, treated twice for cocci, gave probiotics, etc... I felt I did everything I could. I DO believe it's very possible he has a defect, or that his parasites and cocci problems have caused so much damage he is struggling and will continue to struggle. My vet friend has a heated shelter for him and has access to medications and testing abilities that I do not. So she has taken him. All three of us agree that he will go one of two ways now.. he will either make it or he won't. Left here with me in my Unheated shelter in his underweight state and my awful well below zero winters I knew he wouldn't survive here. I'm praying for him and he has a better chance with her. I'm blessed to have a friend like her. My other two are doing very well and I sure hope things are looking up now both for me AND my little rehomed goat.

 

[Latestarter]

I'm sure you're relieved and a better outcome at present, seems completely unlikely. I really hope he can "right" whatever is "wrong" and eventually blossom with the care of your vet tech friend. I'm really glad your other animals are healthy and thriving! I hope you'll stay with us and let us know the eventual outcome for the little guy. Nobody wants to, or enjoys losing an animal, for whatever reason.