Goat ill

[RedHawk027]

Greetings.

I have a female goat that developed a downward distended abdomen. Her appetite has been good, and it appears she has been defecating and urinating normally. She has been showing some weakness and signs of malnutrition, as well and loss of hair. I assumed it was worms and began a course of SafeGuard. Today I noticed what appeared to be green diarrhea on the ground. Then I noticed it on her left rear abdomen. After watching her for a few minutes, it appears that her abdomen wall is perforated and the green discharge is coming out of that perforation.
I am considering putting her down. Has anyone ever seen this issue? Any possible curative solutions?

Thanks.

 

[caprines.n.me]

Sorry you have this problem to deal with. A couple of things come to mind but unfortunately neither one is a good situation.

First scenario: Is it possible that it is an abscess that has broken through? By your description it doesn't sound like that's the case and green discharge isn't that likely from an abscess. But, if so it might not mean an automatic death sentence. If that were the case she would need to be kept away from other goats on your place and the contents tested by a vet. I almost hope that's the case.

Second scenario, by your description, most likely. A hole in the abdomen that goes through to the rumen and/or other stomach could be leaking stomach contents. If that is what is actually happened - it is likely best for her that she be euthanized as stomach contents leaking into the abdomen would cause a horrific infection and would kill her in a most unpleasant manner.

If she is leaking stomach contents this is an emergent situation and she needs help one way or another.

I there a way to have a vet see this goat and make a determination?

 

[RedHawk027]

Sorry you have this problem to deal with. A couple of things come to mind but unfortunately neither one is a good situation.

First scenario: Is it possible that it is an abscess that has broken through? By your description it doesn't sound like that's the case and green discharge isn't that likely from an abscess. But, if so it might not mean an automatic death sentence. If that were the case she would need to be kept away from other goats on your place and the contents tested by a vet. I almost hope that's the case.

Second scenario, by your description, most likely. A hole in the abdomen that goes through to the rumen and/or other stomach could be leaking stomach contents. If that is what is actually happened - it is likely best for her that she be euthanized as stomach contents leaking into the abdomen would cause a horrific infection and would kill her in a most unpleasant manner.

If she is leaking stomach contents this is an emergent situation and she needs help one way or another.

I there a way to have a vet see this goat and make a determination?

It does appear to be internal to the abdominal cavity as opposed to external. There was no sign of any type of perforation in the skin in that area prior to today. The distension is currently about the size of a volleyball. I thought at first it was some type of bloat, though it did not express itself as any I had seen before. I treated her per that preliminary diagnoses. Then I thought perhaps it might be worms, and treated her thusly. It is kind of weird as her appetite and bodily functions seem to be fine. She does appear to be anemic per eyelid examination. She gets around pretty well, and she doesn't appear to be in pain; no crying etc. The vet is not a real option. Any guess as to how long after symptoms appear would death occur in situation #2? I will try to get a better look at the perforation. Many thanks for your help.

 

[caprines.n.me]

Have you taken her temp? That would tell you if infection has set in. Is she housed with other animals with horns? Does she have an objectionable odor? How large is the hole? Have you applied any pressure (gently) to the swollen area to see if that causes more discharge? Is it green like grass or green like (sorry) snot? If it is more like pus I'd try to get as much out as possible and consider flushing the hole with peroxide.

You said the swelling appeared first - then the perforation. That's what made me think of an abscess at first. It could be there is an internal problem that made it's way out. If that's it, it's not necessarily a death sentence.

Without being able to see it I'm trying to visualize the green discharge. In my head, I'm picturing green like grass and that's what makes me think it's stomach contents being discharged. Does she get any grain? If so, do you see any grain in the discharge?

I don't have a good feeling about it - but it might bear watching if she's still eating and ambulatory. I've had goats nigh on to 40 years now and this is a new one for me.

As far as her not showing pain, keep in mind that as a prey animal a goat will try very hard to hide any signs of pain and illness. I would judge her condition more by her temperature and her appetite than outward signs of pain.

I would imagine that after serious infection sets in she wouldn't last more than 2 - 3 days but I've been wrong before. If she goes down, that would definitely be the time to consider euthanization. Nobody wants to see their goat die under those circumstances.

As far as any treatment, I'm at a loss. Under these circumstances, if it were my goat, I'd be tempted to put on some gloves and try to investigate the perforation. You might be able to tell if it goes deep in the abdomen and into her rumen. If her rumen is perforated it's not a good situation.

I'm sorry that I'm not much help. Hope someone else chimes in with some ideas.

@Ridgetop and @Mini Horses

Again, very sorry for you and the doe. Not an easy spot for either of you.

 

[RedHawk027]

Everybody has horns. Green like snot. The hole is not overly visible, but appears to be no more than a inch or so based on the discharge I saw. Not sure I can get her to hold still well enough for a thermometer (do not have one I would trust as suitable) or even for an exam short of hog tying her. She is not happy with me touching her back there. I have only had two goats to get sick in the approximately 12 years of keeping them. Both had severe bloat and died before I realized what was going on. I have since modified their feeding schedule to help prevent that. Based on your experience, what would be the best antibiotic for an infection such as this in a goat? She has been growing the 'bump' for a couple of weeks. I will work on getting a couple of pics tomorrow morning. Thanks for the help.

 

[caprines.n.me]

If it's green like snot and not green like stomach contents then it is likely a big abscess. It would be best if a vet could culture it and then tell you what to use. Without that, I'd probably at least start with penicillin as it's easily purchased at your local feed store.

Goat Drugs and Dosages - Health/Medications - GOATWORLD.COM

This is a listing of different medications that are useful in treating problems with your goats. We are not experts or vets and you should only use this as general information and not expert advise.

www.goatworld.com

The link above gives information about goat meds and dosages. I have been known to double the penicillin dose for the first injection and then follow recommended guidelines a little more closely. If you're not comfortable with that it shouldn't be a problem.

If it is an abscess you can dilute some iodine until it's the color of weak tea and try to flush some of the nasty out. But, if she's not loving you just trying to look at it she definitely won't appreciate that at all. Keep in mind that if it's not an abscess and it's a hole that goes deep in the abdomen none of this may work at all.

I wish you luck and hope that she can rally for you.

 

[Mini Horses]

I'm thinking it's an abscess that's gotten ripe and ruptured, as they will do. As you've said, thick like cottage cheese, could be CL. Thinner, more runny, It's probably some other type infection draining. The thing about knowing is the expectation of it affecting other goats in the herd. I've had a few not willing to be handled for treatment but, have penned then between some fencing and took care of the wound or whatever was needed. Often food distracts them -- we all know a goat is almost always willing to eat! If not, something far too serious is going on.

If it were internal organs draining, she'd have been a goner by now. Those things aren't slow acting infections. So, that's a positive, IMO. in terms of treatable at least.

Pictures would sure help, if you can get any.

 

[RedHawk027]

I ordered a thermometer. I have no problem with doubling the first dose on a goat. I have had that done to me. LOL
I have a bottle of povidone-iodine. If I can probe the hole and determine it is not overly deep, I may try a weakened solution to rinse it out.

 

[caprines.n.me]

Sounds like a plan!

Please keep us informed.

 

[RedHawk027]

Greetings.
Attached are photos of the goat and the discharge.
You can easily see the size of the "bump" and see the discharge protruding from the perforation.
She is still eating and urinating. I am going to try to create someway to hold her while I examine the situation.
The discharge looks to contain plant remnants. I pressed gently on her abdomen and the discharge shot out in quantity. I am going to feed her a little corn to prove that out. If it is digestive contents, I should see it in the discharge fairly soon. As regards odor, I lost my sense of smell for the most part several years ago due to an oral antibiotic. Thanks.