Should I band or saw these scurs...with pictures

[Catahoula]

Major headache for sure! The banding didn't work and the saw I got didn't look like it would work either...and one member did the same and the horn just grew back too. Hopefully this time the vet got most of it and even if there were growth again...I hope they are at least the soft kind and I'd learn to cut it. They are good kids and I hope they'll forgive and forget!

 

[Catahoula]

Me again... They are home and are doing very well. Don't seem to be in pain and are acting normal...less some bleating. Ate some and now chewing cud and resting.

 

[GLENMAR]

Post some photos when you can.
I hope they have a speedy recovery.

 

[Catahoula]

They are bleating loud again! Never thought I'd miss that. They are running and playing and even headbutt each other. The bandages didn't seem to bother them except it was harder for them to scratch their heads/ears/chins. Will only need to change bandages once and then they will come off in two weeks. Pain meds for one more day...and one more antibiotic shot Tuesday. Most of all, they are NOT mad at me...Jac even seem to be more affectionate.

 

[Nathan Sampson]

You definitely have some cute goats there. I am glad this all worked out for them and you as well.

 

[CTChick]

I know it must be hard but they look adorable with their head-dresses -- and I LOVE the spots! (note to self: get spotted goat)

 

[cindyg]

They look good, bandages look like kerchiefs. I have a buck with awful scurs, and am starting to think about how to handle it. Vet is coming tomorrow to vaccinate, I'll have to remember to ask about it. As a matter of interest, what did it cost to have them removed? I want to compare with the quote I get here. Thanks, and I also am making a mental note to get a spotted goat. Actually have a doe bred to a moon spotted buck, hoping I will ge one.

 

[Catahoula]

If they were true scurs (loose, not attached to the skull), I was given a quote of $120-165 for both goats. At the time after examination, one of the Vet (it is a teaching veterinary hospital) said theirs were very much attached to the skulls...which is considered still horns. With the complication (skull wall being too thin therefore exposing the sinus when they saw off the horns) the total bills come out to be $270 including staying overnight. They basically charged the minimum examination fee and the cost for supplies and drug (pain meds, antibiotic, local and general anesthesia, all the bandages/gauze/something for speeding up the healing). I asked to leave the kids there so they'd get the best aftercare. They were happy to keep the kids so they can study and further teach the students on the aftercare. I think the fees were very reasonable...I have paid more on our dog's yearly checkup!
We tried using a OB saw and banding...and it didn't work for us. One member here had successfully saw off their buck's scurs but the scurs grew back the same size. The vet said my boers will probably grow scurs but this time, don't let it get big at all. They will come out and burn it if it is even a nub....

Yes, my updated wishlist on goat is a Black Dappled wether...but looks like I'll have to sit on it for awhile. I am getting two alpines in a week and DH already said NO to more goats. I supposed four is a good number.

Good luck with your buck, cindyg.

 

[ragdollcatlady]

Do you have time to give us an update?

Have the bandages come off?

Which procedure did you opt for?

I am considering having horns removed by the vet, but would like to know how your boys are doing.

Would you choose to do this again if you had to remove horns or scurs?

I am glad your boys are looking so good after their procedures. They are very handsome by the way, I love their spots/dapples!

 

[Catahoula]

Do you have time to give us an update?

Have the bandages come off?

Which procedure did you opt for?

I am considering having horns removed by the vet, but would like to know how your boys are doing.

Would you choose to do this again if you had to remove horns or scurs?

I am glad your boys are looking so good after their procedures. They are very handsome by the way, I love their spots/dapples!

Sorry, I should update their progress sooner. We didn't have time to take the bandages off till this past Monday. The wounds look good.

We didn't go through with the whole horn removal which would leave them with really big holes (more than an inch diameter) and much longer healing time. Basically bone would need to grow over the holes. So the vets saw the horns at the base as closely as they can. I was told the horns will probably grow again. Only this time to let them know as soon as they did and they'll deal with it right away. It would be an easier job. I think they would burn it like disbudding. The key is to catch it while it is still small. I wish I didin't have to deal with it and certainly don't want to again but that's not going to happen. I don't know if I could deal with the full horn removal either. The bandages did stay on the first time but they fell off the second time. I don't know if I can keep bandaging them till the holes heal. I would probably choose the same procedure again...it seemed less invasive and less stressful to the kids. I am lucky I have a good team of vets.. it was at a Teaching Vet Hospital. If I can help it, I would never get another goats with scurs/horns. I know it happens, unfortunately that scur grows.
Good Luck with whatever you decided on and hope you can find good vets for the job too. Let me know if you have anymore questions.