Newbie question- not eating or drinking much - second day!!!

[Firemedichagy]

i have a 4 year old Nigerian Dwarf wether.
He has some really bad arthritis in his left knee that has him limping pretty bad. Under doc care for that.
He has been off the Rimadyl for about 2 weeks to see if the supplements were helping at all....ugh, apparently not..
Anyways,
Yesterday was his worst day and he is also not playful at all.. Not eating , even his favorite snack of apples. Barely taking in any water.
I'm starting to notice signs of dehydration ( dark urine, clump poo )
Please help!!
He started Meloxicam this a.m. for pain and inflammation control.

 

[Latestarter]

@frustratedearthmother @babsbag @ragdollcatlady @Goat Whisperer @goatgurl ? @Southern by choice Any ideas? Sorry your boy's having health issues. Hope you can get him comfy and back to a more normal life.

 

[Goat Whisperer]

Have you tested him for CAE?

Is he overweight? An old injury causing the arthritis?

 

[TAH]

Our doe Sophie had some swelling and looking like she might have some arthritis. We used DMSO it helps with the swelling a lot. She can be walking on her knees I'll put some of that on and she is back to normal. You could also do a mix of coconut oil lavender oil and peppermint oil. And like Goat Whisperer has he been tested for CAE. You really want to make sure he doesn't get dehydrated.

 

[Firemedichagy]

Yes he has been tested for CAE- negative ( thank goodness )
My biggest issue right now is the not wanting to eat or drink much. And his mood is soo blah....
He did graze a little this morning and has had an apple and some grapes today. Better than yesterday.
Do you think that the pain would cause this?? Or a new issue?
He's on day 2 of the Meloxicam and more mobile. No bleating just moody.
I'm trying to encourage him to drink more but he just walks away. Wants to eat anything paper like his life depends on it, fighting me for tissue, mail anything.. But not his feed. Did eat some hay also this afternoon.
Ugh, wish he could talk

 

[Firemedichagy]

Our doe Sophie had some swelling and looking like she might have some arthritis. We used DMSO it helps with the swelling a lot. She can be walking on her knees I'll put some of that on and she is back to normal. You could also do a mix of coconut oil lavender oil and peppermint oil. And like Goat Whisperer has he been tested for CAE. You really want to make sure he doesn't get dehydrated.

Thanks, I am definitely going to look into this. I have an aloe/mint rub that I put on his leg. Not sure if it helps..

 

[Firemedichagy]

Have you tested him for CAE?

Is he overweight? An old injury causing the arthritis?

He's been on a diet for a little bit. I know how much that would help.
One vet says old injury.. That caused arthritis. The other says it's possible but regardless it's arthritis.
CAE negative

 

[Firemedichagy]

@frustratedearthmother @babsbag @ragdollcatlady @Goat Whisperer @goatgurl ? @Southern by choice Any ideas? Sorry your boy's having health issues. Hope you can get him comfy and back to a more normal life.

Thank you
He's a little bit closer to his old self today - mood wise but still not very interested in eating or drinking as much as usual

 

[Firemedichagy]

Our doe Sophie had some swelling and looking like she might have some arthritis. We used DMSO it helps with the swelling a lot. She can be walking on her knees I'll put some of that on and she is back to normal. You could also do a mix of coconut oil lavender oil and peppermint oil. And like Goat Whisperer has he been tested for CAE. You really want to make sure he doesn't get dehydrated.

What is DMSO??
And what's the best way for me to push fluids if needed.

 

[TAH]

DMSO is juice from a tree. You should be able to get it from any farm store. Here is a recipe that will help get him to drink water.
Qaurt of warm water
A drizzle of molasses
Or corn syrup.
Hope gets well.