abscess

[txgoatfarmer]

didn't keep any puss..would it be ok for me to draw the blood? or is their some special thing you need to do?


the puss was pasty...I had to squeeze it out..didn't have a odor...and was whitesh yellowish

 

[txgoatfarmer]

I am going to get him tested. would it be best to get 4 of my goats tested or just use the case bac?

 

[ksalvagno]

The tests aren't expensive, I would have all of them tested if you can. I would have them tested for CAE, CL and Johnes. Then you know you have a disease free herd.

 

[Roll farms]

I'd test them before you do the case bac, if that's what you decide to do... the vaccine can cause false positives.

You seem pretty sure they're all "ok" since you'd seen only the one lump and it hadn't busted around them. You have to decide for yourself if it's worth it to your peace of mind to get them tested or not.
Me...I would.

The only time I've had CL tests ran, it was on the contents of the lump, but I'm sure the vet can pull blood for tests.

Bad news, but both the location (a lot of ours got them in that area) and the description of the contents makes me think, yes, it's CL....in my experience, abscesses from wounds / foreign objects tend to have stinky ick, and be more liquid, than CL abscess.

Another name for CL is "cheesy glad" b/c of the yellowish-white color of the contents.

 

[peskygoat]

I feel for you. I'm going through exactly the same situation. My goat's puss had the same description and I believe it was CL. I looked in to getting it cultured but the vet's quote was $150. The goat cost me $125. I just can't bring myself to paying that to confirm it's CL. I've decided to let her kid at the end of March and then remove her from the homestead (read move to the freezer).

In the mean time I hope she hasn't infected her sister who appears clean. She is back with her sister now because she's recovered from the lancing. I'm sure I'm taking a risk by letting them live together again but I couldn't stand the complaining they gave me from being separated.

Best of luck.

 

[txgoatfarmer]

I just don't know anymore I'm to the point of just getting rid of all of them.
Just having to pour to much money into them and aint getting no where.


thank yall all for yalls help.

 

[peskygoat]

Again, I know how you feel. I felt the same way when I excepted the fact that I likely had a goat with CL. Take it one day at a time. You've done the right thing by dealing with the abcess before it burst. Now wait for it to heal and think through what to do next. Don't give up on the herd so quickly. You can get through this.

Cheers,
Peskygoat

 

[samplekasi]

Sorry for the late post my internet does not so well in the ICE storm we had today.

Trust me many here myself included have dealt with these things that you are, if not the CL then CAE, mastitis, mystery illness and have been to the point of giving up. But most don't and we are more educated by the experience. I promise you it does get easier, just don't expect overnight, I have been working on a clean herd from CAE, for 2 years in May the last 2 positive give will be gone. and all the other goats I have had tested negative. I have feed, milked, petted, and everything else associated with the goats seperately its almost like having twins and neg before pos. seperate trimmer or anything used that could possibly draw blood. I am finally nearing the end of the line and let me tell you I just want to exhale and sigh FINALLY! I had to make some choices in breeding these that were + for CAE and keeping them an extra season, but for my farm plans it was the only was to go.

That being said you must do what is best for you, your family, and your farm. Since he is now seperate you have a bit of time to decided.

To answer your ? there are many different schools of though on how long it lasts in the soil. Some say 2 years some say forever some say a few months I am still without a final decision on which I feel is right. So not a lot of help here sorry.

 

[cmjust0]

I just don't know anymore I'm to the point of just getting rid of all of them.
Just having to pour to much money into them and aint getting no where.


thank yall all for yalls help.

A friend of mine is part of a group that's putting together a special sale for 'elite' replacement does.. As part of the preparations, they did some research on the state herd, number of producers, trends, etc.. He told me that the number of goat producers (meat goats, primarily) in the state of Kentucky has gone down considerably over the last few years, yet the numbers of goats going to sale has stayed about the same.

I was really surprised to hear that... Seems like more and more people are raising goats all the time, but the numbers say different.

What the group extrapolated from that data was that people who are new to goats tend to get in thinking they know something about animal husbandry from running cattle and so forth, but then they run goats for a few years, kill a whole bunch, sell out, and decide if they never saw another goat again as long as they lived, it would be too soon..

Then there are the ones who stick with it, and learn. They get better and better at raising goats, and they're able to keep more alive to take to sale...hence the number going to sale being more or less stable.

Raising goats can be extremely difficult. If you got out, you certainly wouldn't be alone.. I'm not advising that you do that, mind you...I'm just sayin'. Everybody who's sticking with goats has been through the wringer a time or two, and we've *all* had those thoughts.

It's tough.


And, btw...I wouldn't bother with a test at this point. The lump was in a CL site, and the description of the pus is spot on for CL. You can pretty much make a positive clinical diagnosis of CL at this point and save your money.

If you choose to stick it out....cull him, vax the rest with Case-Bac, and keep an eye out. If someone else pops a CL knot, cull her and keep watching. Personally, I believe you can -- over time -- eradicate it from your herd through vaccination..

I hate this for ya, and I truly do wish you the best of luck. I think I speak for pretty much everyone here when I say that if you do decide to stick it out, we'll do our best to be here for ya if and when you have more questions, issues, problems...and successes, too!

 

[Roll farms]

I've been in your shoes many times over the years...but you're doing the right things and trying to learn....that's a big boost to your chances of success.
I'd be lost w/out my goats. I sold out once and I was miserable...
Good luck, whatever you decide.