hoof deformity? Or worry wart new Goat owner

[Roll farms]

It looks like his stance was mostly normal, aside from newborn shakiness, in the 1st pic...?

Was the dam given BoSe before she kidded?

If not, I would hit him w/ 1/2 cc.

Splint it. I like to use the vet wrap around a tongue depressor wrapped in paper towel.
Remove the splint every 24 hrs (otherwise you risk muscle / tendon atrophy, which won't be an improvement) and do physical therapy.
Flex the legs forward and back, not to extremes, but through the full range of motion he should normally use when walking.
Set him down and watch him walk for a bit.
If he still falls back on his pasterns, re-splint for 24 hrs and then check again.
Usually after 1 or two splint applications, the problem is corrected.

Good luck!

 

[Greendecember]

I am trying to decide if it looks truely deformed or just weak.

When holding his foot are you able to straighten it out?

If so I would splint it.

Popcycle sticks from the hoof down to the ground and up to the knee would work well, paper toweling wrapped around that and then duck tape on that, Just tight enough but not toooo tight.

Just so he can still bend his knee. I would leave on for 2 or 3 days, take off, test and then put back on if still weak.

Check his hoof every now and then to make sure it feels the same temp. as the rest.

If it is stiff and doesn't straighten he is deformed and that will have to be your choice what you end up doing.

Good luck

I can move it and such but his hooves are really spread apart not close together like the other kids.
Hubby said take him to the vet. I might try a splint first though.

 

[Greendecember]

It looks like his stance was mostly normal, aside from newborn shakiness, in the 1st pic...?

Was the dam given BoSe before she kidded?

If not, I would hit him w/ 1/2 cc.

Splint it. I like to use the vet wrap around a tongue depressor wrapped in paper towel.
Remove the splint every 24 hrs (otherwise you risk muscle / tendon atrophy, which won't be an improvement) and do physical therapy.
Flex the legs forward and back, not to extremes, but through the full range of motion he should normally use when walking.
Set him down and watch him walk for a bit.
If he still falls back on his pasterns, re-splint for 24 hrs and then check again.
Usually after 1 or two splint applications, the problem is corrected.

Good luck!

No. No one has had any shots since they left the farm they were at and came here. I didn't have a clue when they were bred and neither did the lady I got them from so I was afraid to vaccinate the wrong thing at the wrong time.

I am going to try the splinting. Hubby said take him to the vet but I think I can handle a splint. At least give it a try.

There are so many opinions on BoSe and all the other shots about what to give and when to give them the more I read the more confused I am

Having 6 unexpected babies was a bit overwhelming.

 

[20kidsonhill]

There are some things we each do differently on here, but one of the things we pretty much all agree on is, Bo-Se. given 30 days before kidding,it is 1 cc per 40lbs body weight, If you aren't sure of due date, I would just go ahead and give it.

New borns, many of us give 1/4 for smaller kids and 1/2 to larger kids after kidding, I would highly recommend.


Also, CD&T vaccinations. You don't have to give them 30 days before kidding, but it helps give the kids some protection at first. 2cc sub-Q for any size goat.
I would just give each of your kids 2 cc sub-Q and then again a booster shot 21 days later.

If you don't know if any of your does have ever been done, you will need to give them the first and 2nd shots.



Another thing we pretty much all agree on is Coccisdiosis treatment to newborns starting at 21 days.

 

[Emmetts Dairy]

I agree with Roll..the first pic his stance looks okay. But IMO...if you have the ability to bring him to the vet...I definately would. The vet would be able to "hands on" show you how to set and wrap it. And once you get familar with how the hoof is supose to sit...you will be able to do it yourself.

Also the vet can review with you all the vaccines needed for them. Important. I would bring a pen and paper and write it all down.

The kids will definatley need CD&T vaccines and coccidia treatments, feed or orally depeding on load.

Mom will need some vaccines to...especially with the fact that she has just delivered and you have no idea of her medical history.

Important. These preventative measures can save you alot of heartache and troubles.

But again, I would get him to the vets...get all the info you can...and you can save money by getting the vaccines/suppliments needed at the feed store, Jeffers (online) or Tractor Supply.

The information from the vets can be priceless sometimes. You will learn alot on that first visit..things you can do for a lifetime for your herd. Ask lots of questions...and write things down!

Good luck...I hope it works out great for you new goaties. They are great animals, lots of fun...especially when they are healthy and happy!

 

[dkosh]

I had a lamb last year with her fore foot doing the same thing. I did splint it but instead of popcicle sticks I used the card board from a toilet paper roll and then used vet wrap snuggly around it but not too tight. I took it off every other day and checked to see if it was getting stronger (and to do a skin check). It took a couple of weeks but she eventually got strong enough and now is perfectly fine. Good luck!

 

[elevan]

I agree with Roll..the first pic his stance looks okay. But IMO...if you have the ability to bring him to the vet...I definately would. The vet would be able to "hands on" show you how to set and wrap it. And once you get familar with how the hoof is supose to sit...you will be able to do it yourself.

Also the vet can review with you all the vaccines needed for them. Important. I would bring a pen and paper and write it all down.

The kids will definatley need CD&T vaccines and coccidia treatments, feed or orally depeding on load.

Mom will need some vaccines to...especially with the fact that she has just delivered and you have no idea of her medical history.

Important. These preventative measures can save you alot of heartache and troubles.

But again, I would get him to the vets...get all the info you can...and you can save money by getting the vaccines/suppliments needed at the feed store, Jeffers (online) or Tractor Supply.

The information from the vets can be priceless sometimes. You will learn alot on that first visit..things you can do for a lifetime for your herd. Ask lots of questions...and write things down!

Good luck...I hope it works out great for you new goaties. They are great animals, lots of fun...especially when they are healthy and happy!

I agree. Especially if the abundance of different opinions has been confusing to you. Your vet will be able to give you the recommendations specific to your area. And proper dosages for your area. They will be able to show you how to splint hands on and how to vaccinate hands on.

Good luck to you and your kid

 

[aggieterpkatie]

The pics are kinda fuzzy, but it does look like he's got weak pasterns. His hind foot almost looks like a llama or alpaca foot (with the toes spread out).

 

[Greendecember]

The pics are kinda fuzzy, but it does look like he's got weak pasterns. His hind foot almost looks like a llama or alpaca foot (with the toes spread out).

Yes, this is exactly what I was thinking. I am waiting for the vet to open so we can make an appointment.

 

[Greendecember]

Thank you all for your wonderful information and well wishes.

I think once I get through this first batch of kids and reading all your wisdom I will be a real trooper LOL

Just to make sure I am doing it right I have an apt with the vet in an hour. I may just package up all 4 kids and take them with me LOL