Feeding goat recovering from Polio

[Sparklesms]

*Update: We ended up putting him down this evening. He wasn't improving at all, and was no longer able to keep himself upright most of the time, plus was loosing his swallow reflex. After so many days of treatment with him not showing improvement, we figured if he was even able to survive, he would probably have significant brain injury by that point, and would have very low quality of life. Thanks for the advice you all gave. *

We've been treating our 40-50lb yearling wether for what we assume is polio for the last couple days. (B Vitamin Complex every 4 hours, electrolytes via stomach tube 3 times a day (1/2 gallon total per day) He is slowly showing some improvement, able to stay on his sternum and hold his head up most of the time, but sometimes still goes limp and has to be propped up. His temp as been normal the whole time. He's not trembling as much. Still peeing and pooping, burping. He is able to swallow. Still doesn't show any interest in hay or leaves.
My question is, what's the best way to start introducing other nutrients, and do we continue tube feeding, or can we offer pureed or mashed food by syringe. Should we give some sort of liquid nutrients besides/along with the electrolytes? I have Formula 911 powder, is that better/different than electrolytes? I have prebiotic paste, should I give that before starting food?
Also, what's the best way to keep him clean and dry when he's not able to move or stand? We move him to fresh hay and/or wood chips a few times a day, but his belly and back legs are seem to become constantly wet. (From pee)
Thanks so much for any advice!
(Picture of poor James for cuteness)

 

[Baymule]

@Mini Horses
@rachels.haven
@frustratedearthmother

I don't have the answers for you, but they do and someone will be along shortly to help you.

 

[rachels.haven]

That is a really hard one. You've done more than most would have. I'm not sure how helpful i can be. One thing that comes to mind is "Down goat soup". Feed him that. Here's a screenshot in case you cant't find it.
Keeping him clean is going to be difficult. I'd almost consider a diaper wrap to keep him from laying in his own pee. If he has the runs it's going to be very hard. Keep the flies down.
Im so glad he's staying sternal for you.

 

[Mini Horses]

B1, thiamine is primary need....b complex helps but needs more B1. Often found in horse supplies, paste or crumbles. If you can't find, try human ones and crush tablets, wet & syringe. Yes, the goat soup will help -- energy, gut health & all that. It may take a while for recovery!!! He's also sore, aspirin could help. Or Buteless. Or Banamine but, can only get via vet.

Always leave some hay there in case he decides to try to eat. Obviously water, too. Although messy, good he's still eliminating, otherwise, he's pretty well "done". Put extra shavings under & around. Rubber glove up & scoop away wet/messy ... Add plenty more dry.

It's a tough job but you're doing great, so keep it up & pray. Goats are not good at recovery from sickness. Injury they generally do ok.

Let us know how it goes. We care.

ETA...Have you given any meds? Procaine penn would be good, heavy dose, couple times a day.

 

[Sparklesms]

That is a really hard one. You've done more than most would have. I'm not sure how helpful i can be. One thing that comes to mind is "Down goat soup". Feed him that. Here's a screenshot in case you cant't find it.
Keeping him clean is going to be difficult. I'd almost consider a diaper wrap to keep him from laying in his own pee. If he has the runs it's going to be very hard. Keep the flies down.
Im so glad he's staying sternal for you.
View attachment 118816

Thankfully his droppings have been normal!

 

[Sparklesms]

B1, thiamine is primary need....b complex helps but needs more B1. Often found in horse supplies, paste or crumbles. If you can't find, try human ones and crush tablets, wet & syringe. Yes, the goat soup will help -- energy, gut health & all that. It may take a while for recovery!!! He's also sore, aspirin could help. Or Buteless. Or Banamine but, can only get via vet.

Always leave some hay there in case he decides to try to eat. Obviously water, too. Although messy, good he's still eliminating, otherwise, he's pretty well "done". Put extra shavings under & around. Rubber glove up & scoop away wet/messy ... Add plenty more dry.

It's a tough job but you're doing great, so keep it up & pray. Goats are not good at recovery from sickness. Injury they generally do ok.

Let us know how it goes. We care.

ETA...Have you given any meds? Procaine penn would be good, heavy dose, couple times a day.

I was able to get one dose of Banamine from a friend, hope to get ahold of a vet tomorrow.
I wasn't sure if penicillin would be helpful since he's had a normal temp, but I do have some I could try. Poor guy has been stuck so many times already. I have given ibuprofen a few times when I noticed him grinding his teeth.