Mastitis pre-kidding?

[brightmoonfarm]

I am a worrywort. I will state that up front- however, I try to translate that to 'better safe than sorry'. I have a four year old Nubian doe (Tulip) at day 144 of gestation, this will be her second batch of kids, no problems first time around two years ago- she kidded at 145 days that time around (coincidentally also an Easter Monday, for what it is worth). I have had goats for about 5 years now, but it this is only my second time kidding and since it has been a few years, I can't remember all I wish I did (I know! I need to take notes!). Her udder seems to be getting bigger, but feels more solid than full of milk- and I can't get a drop out (I know not to milk a doe before kidding, but couldn't help but try- teats are not full, so I don't think it is plugs)Temp is 104.5 (I know I should monitor that more regularly to know what is normal for her, but.... I haven't...) and otherwise she seems totally normal- eating, drinking, peeing, pooping all as usual. Should I be worried about Mastitis enough to call the vet or try and find a California Mastitis test (again, I know I should have it on hand, though, it sounds like it wouldn't work if there is no milk to be had- right? - ack!) first thing tomorrow? Or is it case that she is just building up her udder and isn't letting down her milk? Thanks for any advice you might have!

 

[Wishin2BElswheyr]

OK I'm not a goat expert so take this with a grain of salt. But milk isn't really present til after colostrum. So I wouldn't think you'd get mastitis before milk came in. Just like in humans the colostrum is the first milk and isn't as plentiful as milk milk. So there is udder tissue development which can be firm bit not rock hard. But I suppose if she wasn't dried off properly last time she could have problems.

 

[brightmoonfarm]

Thanks! That makes sense. I dried her off gradually, milking every other day for a few weeks, then every three days, etc. She still seems her normal self this morning- well as normal as a super pregnant doe can be

 

[aggieterpkatie]

Her temp is high. I'd consider treating her with antibiotics because something isn't normal for her to be having a temp of 104! Colostrum is actually only produced a few days before kidding, so she should have normal milk in her udder before that. Sounds like there is a problem. Normal goat temp is around 101.

 

[brightmoonfarm]

Temp was at 104 early this morning, then 102 midmorning. Vet says just to keep an eye on her, but not to worry too much, just fluctuations probably due to end of pregnancy.

 

[OneFineAcre]

Temp was at 104 early this morning, then 102 midmorning. Vet says just to keep an eye on her, but not to worry too much, just fluctuations probably due to end of pregnancy.

Good.
I don't think you have anything to worry about.