Pregnancy Toxemia and Ketosis

These conditions can be present if a doe is not getting adequate feed and supplements during pregnancy. The most common is lack of proteins, calcium and sugars. This can be avoided by providing a high protein feed heavy with molasses during the last month of pregnancy.  Providing molasses water to the doe after delivery will replenish her system with sugars for energy.  Very common with multiple fetuses (triplets and quads), and older does.

Symptoms may include:

Stiff legged

Unable to stand/walk

Swollen knees and legs—spilling proteins in her urine--Ketosis

Walking “tender footed”

Lose of weight-Feel along top line, if feeling bony, first sign using own muscle/fat to maintain pregnancy

When a heavy bred doe limps, or walks like she is walking on egg shells, or legs are stiff if she is down, usually a calcium deficiency.

Toxemia- Serious: limping with swollen feet, stained tail, loosing weight on her top line, listless, loss of appetite, Drench Revive 3-4 times daily, 100cc Revive 100cc water. Use Magic for overnight, 8-10 ounces.

Ketosis -Risk of dying:  sleepy and/or wont stand or eat.     Use 200cc “Revive for Pregnant Does” with 200cc water every 2-3 hours.  Reduce amount when doe is more alert and starts to eat.  Offer sweet feed with an extra handful of corn and alfalfa hay.   8-10 ounces of Magic should hold a doe through the night.

Retained Placenta

Can not clean out a goat like you can a cow.  After 12 hours if the placenta hasn’t expelled:

LA200 -- 5cc/100# every 3^rd day

Banamine – 1cc/100# for pain

Oxytocin – 2cc hourly until afterbirth expelled.  Lacix may be used if Oxytocin doesn’t work after 4 hours.

This is what I do at my farm.  I am not a vet.  Please consult a vet.