Something's Not Right with Her

I have a 2 year old doe who just freshened yesterday morning with twins. The kids are doing well. Mom is not exactly herself.

She didn't pay much attention to the kids when they were born. The first kid was lying on the ground behind her and she didn't even turn around to clean it. Thankfully its cry woke me up. Her second was born with no problem and then she started licking and cleaning them a bit. She let them nurse then, but I haven't seen her do it since. I've been stepping in and giving them some bottle to make sure they have enough.

Last night I wanted to put her on the stand to milk her to save for the kids. When she tried to jump up, she fell down. She tried again, and fell again. The third time I helped her up and she stood and ate. While she ate, I let the kids nurse from her and she was fine with it.

Today, her udder seems rather empty and it felt like the kids' bellies had milk in them. They didn't want their bottle from me so I'm hoping that means she fed them overnight. Problem is, she has discharge around her nose and it smells. It's not green cud, it's yellow, thick, and smelly. She was trying to eat their bottle, so I pushed her head away. When I did, she fell again. I definitely did not push her hard enough to fall! I've never pushed an animal so hard that it fell. I got her back up and she's walking around and eating hay now.

The falling, the inattentiveness, and mucus leads me to think she's sick. I have all the usual antibiotics in my fridge, so I can treat mostly anything. I'm just not sure what this is. Going to get a new thermometer to check her temp because mine was out of battery when I tried to use it today.

Any idea? Pneumonia?

Maybe is was sometime she ate, maybe she knocked herself silly or maybe she isn't getting the proper nutrients. I'd suggest that you go to Tractor Supply and get a 'Billy Block' for her then call the vet.

She is actively nursing the kids right now, thank goodness. So maybe cross her inattentiveness off the list. She may have just been in pain.

She has free choice hay, minerals, and gets grain as a treat. Her body condition looks fantastic. She is not fat, but definitely looks plump even after kidding.

watch her temp
nasal discharge should not have an odor
the falling down could be some kind of postpartum metabolic upset.
I would call my vet and discuss this and see if they feel they should come check her out
What do her eyelids look like.
Are gums good color
with birthing she may have a bloom of parasites going on

Ditto on the above post by alsea1. Goopy stinky nasal discharge definitely sounds like its infection based...maybe a sinus infection or something respiratory. Getting a temp on her will give you an idea. Kidding and lactation is a strain on her system already, so any other issue she's dealing with is magnified by that. My advice is to talk to your vet sooner rather than later or you may be permanently bottle raising these babies.

Good luck with her!

Get her temp.
Call your vet and discuss what's going on.
I'd give her a post kidding round of de-worming - ivermectin or cydectin.
Did she pass her placenta?

was she ok before labor?

Ketosis? (sp)
Bo-se needed in your area?

smelly yellow discharge means infection in us, can't see how a goat would be different... maybe she didn't take much interest in the kids cause she can't smell them very well?

Call the vet, you want to make sure you use the right antibiotics. Over or incorrect use of them are what cause super bugs.

Hope your girl is ok. congrats on the babies!

How are the kids and mom doing?

Everyone is well!

It was hairy for a few days as mom went off feed, and stumbled even more. Treated for possible retained placenta and respiratory infection and also hypocalcemia due to the stumbling. She's 90% better now with just a bit of trouble getting up on the stand. Discharge is gone, back end is clean, and she's enjoying her food as she always does.

I ended up selling the kids since I had a buyer right out of the gate. I hated to sell them so soon, but I didn't want more bottle babies with my work schedule. They are doing well in their new home, and mom can get back on her feet without having to worry about taking care of little ones.