The Goat Poisoning Lesson
I learned a very hard lesson about my goats.
First, while I say that a new goat would cost me anywhere from free to $200, I really like my goats and don’t wish to replace them.
Second, don’t keep your compost pile in their pen.
Yeah, yeah, I know. One should know better. But I’m one of those nuts who thinks that if a goat has a choice about what to eat, they’ll choose the things they need.
However, I did learn how to give a B-complex shot to a goat.
Goats that get poisoned stop producing B vitamins, which are what stimulate their hunger. And while all sources point to separating the ones that are still sick, sometimes they bond to one another and don’t rest as needed without the bonded ones in the same area.
If they’re ever poisoned again, I’ll know the drill.
Call the vet.
The vet will check them out and give the first round of shots: antibiotics, Banamine, and B-complex.
Next is every 6 hours: B-complex shot using a 20-gauge, 6 mL needle.
Every 12 hours: Banamine for pain.
For 24 hours, follow this route.
If a goat remains unwell, continue on just that one.
One click of Banamine for two goats. Given every 12hrs to help with the pain is what I was told.
I’ve got Nigerian Dwarf goats, for size reference.
Offer blackberry leaves, blueberry leaves, and hay.
Offer both plain water and electrolyte water.Google the measurements.
One goat stayed sick longer than the others. He was drinking water but not eating.
I decided to force electrolyte water into him, 2 mL at most every 6 hours. I put less salt in the mixture and added baking soda to the tip of the syringe if he was still foaming.
If he was really foaming, I had a little Pepto-Bismol.
Blueberry leaves convinced him to eat a little.
I’m not a vet! Just a fellow goat owner who lost at connect dots in my brain one night, with don’t put tempting poisonous plants into the goat pen.
Do not do anything you’re uncomfortable with or that you can’t take responsibility for the actions you chose to pursue. This is just my story.
Definitely not a lesson I want to learn twice.
