May 8, 2011

Stillborn

It is with great sadness that I have to tell you that Jasmine gave birth to a stillborn doeling just before first light this morning. I had kept her in her stall most of yesterday, because I was suspicious that her time was very near.  I went to check on her a little after 3:30 AM, and discovered that she was in the second stage of labor.

Everything seemed to be going normally at first, but after awhile I began to worry that it was taking too long. I reviewed my books, and then went to investigate what the problem was. It was a tail first presentation (frank breech), which meant the best I could do was to try to find the hind legs and guide them feet first into the birth canal. This I was able to do, but even then, labor seemed to take forever. In the end, the baby was stillborn; likely due to compression of the umbilical cord, which cut off oxygen.

As near as I can tell, this was a single. Jasmine is up on her feet and eating breakfast, but we're still waiting for her to deliver the placenta. I'm just thankful she's okay, though the event makes for a very sad Mother's Day.

on

30 comments:

  1. Woolly BitsMay 8, 2011 at 7:38 AM

    oh Leigh, that is sad news:(( I hope that at least Jasmine is going to be ok again - if the placenta doesn't come out on its own, can you help or would you need the vet to do it?

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  2. Razzberry CornerMay 8, 2011 at 7:51 AM

    I'm so sorry! Poor Jasmine.

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  3. DaniMay 8, 2011 at 7:56 AM

    So sad - so sorry

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  4. What Pigs Don't KnowMay 8, 2011 at 7:59 AM

    So sorry to hear about this, Leigh.

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  5. Jane @ Hard Work HomesteadMay 8, 2011 at 8:01 AM

    So very sorry.

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  6. Madness, Trouble, Squish and MilkboneMay 8, 2011 at 8:16 AM

    Oh, I'm so sorry.
    indeed a sad Mothers day.

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  7. Mr. H.May 8, 2011 at 8:24 AM

    Poor little guy, so sorry to hear about the loss.

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  8. Toni aka irishlasMay 8, 2011 at 8:49 AM

    So sorry about the doeling. What a sad day indeed.

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  9. Mama PeaMay 8, 2011 at 8:58 AM

    So, so sorry, Leigh. But the good thing is that Jasmine had you to be there for her. Otherwise, who knows what would have happened. You can feel good knowing that you did everything you could, but it just wasn't meant to be. I lost a little buck at our very first kidding years ago so I know a little of what you're feeling.

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  10. EvelynMay 8, 2011 at 9:01 AM

    How very sad for you.

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  11. KariMay 8, 2011 at 9:13 AM

    Oh no, I'm so sorry.

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  12. Doyu ShoninMay 8, 2011 at 9:50 AM

    :(

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  13. MeganMay 8, 2011 at 10:06 AM

    So sorry to hear this!

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  14. Renee NefeMay 8, 2011 at 10:34 AM

    oh no! I'm so sorry to hear this news. I hope that Jasmine delivers the placenta and recovers quickly.

    and although you are sad about the goats I hope you have a good Mother's day.

    Hugs

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  15. Judy TMay 8, 2011 at 10:36 AM

    Oh, how sad. Hopefully she will be fine. Try to have a good day anyway.
    Judy

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  16. TeresaMay 8, 2011 at 11:11 AM

    Sad news Leigh, I recently had one myself and it is hard. so sorry!

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  17. Sherri B.May 8, 2011 at 12:17 PM

    I am so sorry. Thankfully mama is doing fine. Hope you find a bit of joy on your special day. xo

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  18. denise/deBRATMay 8, 2011 at 3:31 PM

    hugs for you and Jasmine as you both adjust and absorb today's sad birthing.
    denise/deBRAT in tampa bay florida

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  19. MichelleMay 8, 2011 at 3:42 PM

    I feel for you and this sad loss on what is suppose to be a day of celebrating motherhood. How sad sor Jasmine too. I believe animals can sense loss in their own way. I hope you both find a ray of sunshine to finish out the day.

    Blessings

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  20. MiniKatMay 8, 2011 at 3:52 PM

    I'm so sorry to hear this. Poor Jasmine. :-(

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  21. Norma from Misty Haven AlpacasMay 8, 2011 at 5:00 PM

    Sorry, Leigh. Being a farmer really gives us some great highs and real lows. But it is nature and often, we have no control.
    N

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  22. bspinnerMay 8, 2011 at 7:40 PM

    I'm so sorry to hear this very sad news but glad Jasmine is up and about.

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  23. BrokenRoadFarmMay 8, 2011 at 7:53 PM

    Oh my goodness, Leigh....that is so sad. But at least Jasmine is ok. I wish you had had a better mother's day. You are in my thoughts.

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  24. DebbieBMay 8, 2011 at 10:23 PM

    Oh, Leigh. I'm so sad for you. I hope Jasmine is healthy and will recover quickly. Big long-distance hugs for you, dear.

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  25. robinMay 8, 2011 at 10:49 PM

    I'm so sorry. That is awful.

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  26. LeighMay 9, 2011 at 6:54 AM

    Thank you to everyone. I'm going to take her to someone who specializes in ruminants, and get his opinion. Several problems are piling up and we're wondering if she should be bred again. She has the sweetest personality, so un-Nubian like. It would be a shame not to be able to pass that on, but we need to do what's best for her. I'll update on this in a couple of days.

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  27. GraceMay 9, 2011 at 8:19 AM

    I'm so sorry, Leigh. Do keep us updated. Poor Jasmine. Give her a hug from each of us.

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  28. AnonymousMay 9, 2011 at 9:29 AM

    I'm sorry :(

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  29. BenitaMay 9, 2011 at 10:17 AM

    Aw, rats! This would be the one doe of the season, too.

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  30. MichelleMay 9, 2011 at 10:27 AM

    I"m so, SO sorry. I am heartsick with you. (((HUGS)))

    I'm glad you are taking her for evaluation. Did she ever deliver the placenta?

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