I just wanted to post this so that new goat owners out there know the facts about what I did and what I learned from this experience.
My husband asked me last night if I see now that I made a mistake taking Annabell to the hospital. I of course said NO because "I'm never wrong". But this got me to thinking if new goat owners saw this thread and figured it was something they could do for their goat in trouble. Well if you have $1200 laying around, yes you can.
Saving Annabell, who can never give me more babies, would be a mistake if I hadn't learned a valuable lesson and had the tough talk with myself. My goats are not pets. I got goats to supplement my family in milk/cheese. Selling babies would never be a profit or business, just help with the feed costs. I had no experience on what a goat looks like that's in "trouble", now I do. Would I do things differently if I had to relive this experience, no, I probably wouldn't because I did not see the signs that things were not good. I was blinded by the love for my goat and thought everything would be fine.
I don't mean to sound harsh, but you must have the talk with yourself. Why do I have goats? If I have a goat in "trouble" what is my plan of action? Do I have a way to put my goat down to end their suffering if I can't afford veterinary care? These are things not discussed on goat forums or backyard farming or urban farming sites or blogs.
Yes I'm miffed with my hubby for forcing me to look at the situation and realize I got into goats with "rose colored glasses". Yes I'm miffed at myself for not seeking the knowledge that I lacked. BUT I'm glad Annabell will be coming home today. She looks really good and is ready to come home. I'm still not sure if she will make it. She is still not eating and I found out they have been giving her some kind of supplement to keep her guts going and I can't continue at home.
This week has been an emotional roller coaster for me. I have rethought my WHOLE backyard farming idea. I have decided to sell my goats, all but Annabell and Cerina. This will also help cover Annabell's bill here. Maybe sometime next year I'll get another one, but I don't need 10 goats for milking. Two are just fine.
So read this thread and learn from my experience and may be have that tough talk with yourself and what would you do if your goat was in trouble medically and you couldn't afford to save them. Call your vet and talk to them about your options and what can be done. Save a little money on the side or talk to someone who could help you put them down humanely.
Melissa
ETA: By the way, you vet can only give you an estimate before surgery. Mine was $500.
