Is this goat sick???

[yinzer81]

I have a yearling doe (15 months old) that has a big, and I mean BIG udder. She never been bred, she seems happy, comfortable and eats very well. Besides the udder looking abnormally huge to me, she looks very healthy and is sweet as ever. The udder is the size of a large cantaloupe, the teats are still small. It is firm and sort of lumpy feeling, and doesn't feel warm to the touch. My husband claims its because she's too fat and I'm worrying too much. I just noticed how big it was a month or so ago while taking a walk. My other goat is on the thin side, but her udder is flat against her, and this seems more normal. I'm new to goats and I've only had these two a year now. I would appreciate any advise or suggestions or comments! Help, I think she should see a vet, but my husband isn't convinced since we just spent about $500.00 getting a stray and the kittens she had all nuetered, spayed, their shots, and one that had to have surgery for a broken leg. He's not too keen on me running the goat up unless it's really nessessary.

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[ThreeBoysChicks]

i am not an export. But, that does not sound normal and most likely is an indication of a problem.

You need to post a small number of messages I belive on the board before you can post a picture.

If it were me, I would call my farm vet who would give me a consult over the phone and then based on conversation if need be, she would stop by.

Some of the experts should be along shortly.

 

[freemotion]

A pic would be most helpful. You need ten posts, so run around the other threads and post how cute all the goats are. Then come back and post a pic.

 

[yinzer81]

I think I got a pic up!! Thanks! I put it on my first post, but here it is again...I hope.

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[20kidsonhill]

Let's discuss, has she ever been around any bucklings, or bucks or whethers? I mean as in the last 2 to 5 months, including fenced along side, the neighbors, ect.......


based on that photo, I would say she is pregnant and due in the next month or two.

If your answer is no she hasn't been by or near any males at all, then I would have a vet look at that udder or nearby goat farmer and see what their opinion is.

If she isn't off feed or running a tempurature above 103. then it wouldn't be an emergency, but that isn't normal for an unbred doe.

 

[Roll farms]

Google, "Precocious udder in goats".

It's not super common, but it happens.

 

[yinzer81]

No, she hasn't been near any bucks, weathers or any other goats, except her sister, so I don't think she could be pregnant. There is no discharge, no fever, and she is definately not off her feed. She's a good eater, and seems to always be relaxed and chewing her cud when she's not eating.

 

[20kidsonhill]

then I also vote for "percocious udder", it seems too even to be a tumor or abcess.

 

[lilhill]

Google, "Precocious udder in goats".

It's not super common, but it happens.

 

[currycomb]

i agree with the precocius udder ,especially if she is a little, shall we say, porky?