Rhododendren Poisoning...

[duffontap]

While I was out in Idaho for a funeral this weekend our neighbors threw a heaping wheelbarrow load of Rhododendron and Dwarf Cherry over the fence into the goat pen. My wife found the pile in the evening when she was milking and called me to tell me and said she couldn't tell how much they had eaten. This morning (Sunday) she woke up to staggering, shaking, vomiting goats and got the large animal vet out on an emergency visit. Now it's evening and Penny is severely dehydrated and almost too weak to move and Hank has started vomiting again. We're still hoping both will make it but I have more hope for our wether than for our doe.

I've been worried about this happening for years but I know I've told everyone around not to let Rhododendron anywhere near the goats. Take a 5 minute break and go warn your neighbors not to feed your goats.

JD

 

[SuburbanFarmChic]

Can you drench them with an electrolyte solution to help keep their strength up?

 

[helmstead]

Well meaning neighbors are oft the bain of livestock owners. I surely hope your goats make it.

 

[aggieterpkatie]

Did the vet give them activated charcoal? If not, give them some ASAP!!!! You can find it at any pharmacy. I don't think you can overdose it. It binds toxins and saved our lambs from Mountain Laurel poisoning.

I'm so sorry this happened, and I would give that neighbor a good talking to!

ETA: Even if the vet did give charcoal, I'd give some again!

 

[freemotion]

I'd get the neighbor over there, too. They need to have it thoroughly impressed on them what they've done, well-meaning or not.

I was told on this forum to also give baking soda and veg oil to my doeling last year when she was vomiting and laurel was a possibility. She survived. I hope your goats make it.

 

[elevan]

I hope things turn out ok.


I agree - I would drag the neighbors over so they can see what their "well meant" intentions have done...it'll (hopefully) keep it from happening again.

 

[duffontap]

Thank you everyone. We have them drinking electrolytes and giving them electrolytes through paste; Penny just drank a lot (finally). They also mouthed a little orchard grass--though they really didn't seem to eat any. They look really rough but I think they're going to be ok.

We went over to talk to the neighbors and they volunteered to pay the vet bill before we had a chance to tell them we hoped they would.

Oh, the vet gave them lots of charcoal and left us a dose to give them tomorrow.

JD

 

[lilhill]

Sure hoping they all make it.

 

[aggieterpkatie]

How are they this morning? I'm glad the neighbors offered to pay the vet bill.

 

[damummis]

How is everyone? I worry about this all the time. Here in Maine rhodies and azaleas grow wild. They are all over the island. I hope your little ones pull thru.