very anemic goat.

[MsDeb]

Out of curiosity, why cut out the molasses? The first vet we went to with the anemic goat (who doesn't really treat goats but does treat cattle) said give molasses. We've since changed vets but I'd still like to know. Does it hurt anything or just not help?

 

[MsDeb]

Oh, and VKat, I truly hope everything works. It's so easy to get to attached and its frustrating to have a sick critter depending on you while you're scrambling to do everything you can do.

 

[VKat]

Thank you MsDeb!
And everyone else. <3
I will try and update about how things go.

 

[Pearce Pastures]

The issue with molasses is that it is very high in sulfur, which can cause other issues. It is fine for the occasional boost but not for use in any regularity (or in a sweet feed).

There was a thread awhile back about someone saving a very very anemic goat...lemme see if I can pull it up.

 

[Pearce Pastures]

Here is is.

http://www.backyardherds.com/threads/saving-a-very-anemic-goat-post-16-another-goat.20662/

 

[VKat]

Thank you Pearce Pastures!
I have a question about the molasses, does it make a difference if it is the unsulphured kind? Just curious, I have stopped giving it to them.
Also, much more importantly, how bad is sweet feed?
I ask this because my husband brought home a bag of Dumor sweet feed last shopping round. He said it was all they had left :/ I still have a little bit of regular pellets, so I thought I would mix them.
Is that going to be bad for my girls?

This morning I gave them their second round of Ivomec at what I hope is a generous enough, but safe dosage. 2.75 ml for a 78 lb. goat given orally. Does that sound about right?
The vet assured me that it is a very safe choice with a wide safety margin, but I know it's very bad idea to under-dose.

Also about the Karo syrup, has anyone done or heard of that advice before?
I should use the light kind, right?

 

[VKat]

An update and another question!
UPDATE:
Selma is doing very well from what I can tell. She is eating with gusto, and seems to have a bit more pep. I think the Red Cell is helping. Her lids still are very pale, but since she is otherwise not showing symptoms of serious anemia I'm very hopeful. Reading the thread linked above makes me feel very fortunate that she is doing so well.
I have increased the amount of grain (pelleted food) I'm giving slightly to help her gain back weight.

Okay QUESTION:
I have a doe that is pregnant and I think will kid soon. (she was already preg when we got her so the due date is unknown, but I'm seeing signs!)
How can I best make ABSOLUTELY SURE that I am protecting everyone, and especially new kids from passing on health issues?
Expectant mom goat has been given the same Ivomec worming treatment along with my other two.
She also had the CD/T vaccine and booster already (booster given 1/11)
I found the extremely helpful post about kidding, and read that worms can be especially dangerous to kids. I have not gotten a fecal read yet, but due to the anemia symptom, I feel likr it's reasonable to worry about barber pole worms.
How can I best protect the kids when they arrive?

Thank you guys so much for helping out! <3

p.s. I was directed to a place I can mail a sample and have it done and am going to the post office tomorrow to send that express! Friday is the soonest I can get a ride into town. So soon I will know for sure what's up.

 

[Hens and Roos]

Glad to hear that Selma is doing better

can't help you on the question but maybe @Southern by choice or others can help

 

[Southern by choice]

Monitoring the kids is best. Finding someone local that can do your fecals or you learning yourself is best. Cocci is a real kid issue. That can be checked with fecals also. The kids will need a CDT too.

Have the goats been tested for CAE?

If the does are positive they will pass it to their kids. If you aren't sure than you could pull the kids heat treat the colostrum and bottle feed treated colostrum and pasteurized milk.

You do not want CAE!

 

[jodief100]

I do not like sweet feed because it can mold. If you go through a bag fairly fast it should be fine. Glad to hear you are getting a fecal done. Does tend to loose their natural immunity against worms when they get close to kidding.

I do copper boluses and they do help the worms, albeit only temporarily. I use the copasure for cattle and break it into smaller doses.