Coughing... Lung worms OR Virus?

[Sara1226]

I'm in Northern Wisconsin, winters are harsh. Can be well below zero for days at a time, a lot of snow. (I'd move if I could ha!) they are predicting a very cold winter, so I need to get these guys healthy before that starts.

No coughing today that I witnessed. Today is the last day of safegaurd. If coughing persists I will start the antibiotic. I only have duramycin on hand.. please tell me that will be ok...

I was told that "Little Guy", (that's what we call him, but my daughter named him Rocky) had great coloring, and blue eyes, and that he would make a good show goat and people would pay $500 or more for him. Now, I'm not one to believe everything I hear, but I do know he's a little sweetheart. Doesn't mind being picked up and pet all the time. Not sure he is show material given his issues, but we love him. The black one is Charlie (He's my buddy) and the other is Finley. Finley is the other I heard cough the other day. Haven't heard it today.

 

[OneFineAcre]

I hope he gets better. He may have gotten an upper respitory infection and fought it off on his own.

I think whoever told you that someone would pay $500 for a Nigerian wether needs to have their head examined.

 

[babsbag]

You know, goats do cough...it really is one of their idiosyncrasies; they can have very touchy respiratory systems. And sometimes it can just be a virus that will go away on its own. It is good that you are concerned and paying attention, know your goats and what is normal for them and you will be leagues ahead in keeping them healthy.

I would still get a fecal done, and get them minerals if you don't have any for them.

And, BTW, I had Marek's in my flock too 9 months after getting my first ever chickens. It happens.

 

[Sara1226]

Thank you! Advice taken. How does he look to you? Does he look underweight still in the picture?

Also.. All the boys are getting baking soda, goat mineral, probiotics, nutri drench and a good quality hay.

Any thoughts on the duramycin?

 

[Green Acres Farm]

Also.. All the boys are getting baking soda, goat mineral, probiotics, nutri drench and a good quality hay.

What brand goat mineral are you giving?

When you say nutri drench and probiotics, do you mean every day or you are giving temporarily now?

And baking soda... There is some disagreement on this, but I think it is best not to have baking soda out for wethers and bucks except when needed because it negates the purpose of ammonium chloride which is to keep the urine slightly acidic to prevent urinary calculi from forming. But again, not everyone will agree on this.

Your goats are really cute! (But nobody pays $500 for a wether)

 

[Sara1226]

Goat mineral is made by manna pro.

I gave the probios and nutri drench the day that I got each of them due to rehoming stress. Then stopped.

Restarted about a week ago daily as coughing was developing.

 

[Southern by choice]

You may want to add a small amount of feed.
Small amounts will help keep a better nutritional balance and as far as wethers not getting grain... that is usually very blown out of proportion. Wethers going to meat markets are fed high grain diets to fatten them up and that can cause Urinary Calculi.
Small amount is fine for your boys especially while growing.

Never give Nutri-drench if a goat has a fever. (thought I'd throw that in there for future reference)

Sounds good. The baking soda should be removed.
Feed should have Ammonium Chloride in it.

Not sure of your hay but Alfalfa or Alfalfa mixes are good for wethers.

They are cute for sure.

LOL $500... If the breeder could get $500 then they wouldn't have made him a wether.

Duramycin is always good to have on hand.

 

[babsbag]

If you decide he is still coughing and want to treat with antibiotic Duramycin would be a good choice. It does sting but not horribly. For future reference Bio-Mycin or Noromycin doesn't sting as badly. They are all Oxcytetracycline.

 

[Sara1226]

It's a powder. Not an injection.

Strange thing about me... I'm a type 1 diabetic since I was 15 months old.. I take injections and give injections to my diabetic daughter.. BUT I don't like giving shots to animals!! I hate it!

A human, sure no problem. An animal.. Nooo thaaannk yoouuu...

 

[Sara1226]

Just to clarify.. The seller said she could sell him intact for $500. She made him a wether per my request. Just so people don't think I'm an idiot.. I didn't mean 500 for a wether. Maybe he wouldn't be worth that either way, again I'm new at this.