May 11, 2011

Update On Jasmine

Well, here's what's going on with Jasmine. After her difficult labor and delivery Sunday, I decided Monday morning to take her to the vet. I was still uncertain about the placenta, plus the right side of her udder was very hard. (This is the side she had problems with previously.) I also decided to take her to someone who specializes in larger animals and runiments. My local vet is excellent for routine things, but for this, I wanted to take her to someone who was best set up to help her. The specialist is located in another part of the state so it meant quite a drive, but this was our best option.

I had started Jasmine on penicillin injections at home, but her temperature at the vet's was 104.4, (normal varies with the source, but usually 102 to 104 F is normal). The vet examined her and said she was developing a uterine infection, which is not uncommon under the circumstances. She flushed her out, and gave her several injections: nuflor for the infection, banamine for the fever and swelling, and lutalyse to help her expel anything that might be left in the uterus. I was also given two doses of pirsue for the mastitis.

We went back on Tuesday, for a second uterine flush. I'm to take her temp at home on Thursday, and call it in. I will probably need to take her back then for a second dose of antibiotic.

Jasmine's appetite has been fair, so at least she has been eating and drinking. I've added probiotics to her diet because of the antibiotic, and also blackstrap molasses to her drinking water to make sure she's getting lots of fluids. Emotionally, she's been loud and clingy, hollering pathetically unless I'm around and she can have body contact. She actually has a fairly mellow personality for a Nubian, so this is very unlike her. I'm sure there are several reasons for this behavior, including discomfort from the right side of her udder. I cannot milk it out, and it is hard and I'm sure uncomfortable. Even though the teat was saved from the previous time, the condition of the udder is worrisome, especially since this is the side she had problems with before.

So that's where things are at the moment; not as good as I might wish, but not as bad as it could be.

19 comments:

Sherri B. said...

It must be difficult to see that sweet face and know she is hurting. Sounds like a good sign that she is eating. Thanks for the update.

Jane @ Hard Work Homestead said...

Poor Jasmine. I can only imagine how difficult doing the flush was. How many people did it take to hold her? I am sending thoughts of a speedy recovery.

BrokenRoadFarm said...

Sounds like you did the right thing taking her to the vet. Hope everything works out ok and she is back to her old self in no time.

Nina said...

Poor baby... not a good situation to be in. I was so hoping that she'd have a lovely little baby and that her udder would have come through unscathed. Her personality sounds like she'd make a lovely pet though.

DebbieB said...

You're a good goat mom (herder, tender, farmer?) Conscientious, compassionate, and thorough.

Mama Pea said...

Well, poop. So sorry you and Jasmine are having to go through this. I know that it puts a monkey wrench in YOUR busy routine (not to mention pocketbook, as they used to say) and just makes it a difficult situation to get through. I know it creates unwanted anxiety and tension in me when I know an animal is suffering. Thanks to you for being such a conscientious, caring animal owner. Hoping for the best.

Leigh said...

I truly appreciate everyone's kind words. It's a tough decision, but it really isn't in her best interests to be bred again. The stillbirth is one thing, but the vet also said she has a narrower cervix than most. That with the udder problem make it unwise. Not sure what to do at this point. We've spent enough in vet bills to buy another registered Nubian doe, but of course this had to be done. Where to come up with the money for another doe is the big ??????? now.

trump said...

I think everything will turn out well in the end for Jasmine. Im a animal lover so i always try and see the glass as half full. Thanks for the update. Richard from Lebanon county's Amish community.

dr momi said...

Jasmine sure is a beautiful Nubian. I think she'll be just fine too. ....and then she can be a pal to your next doe :-)

Renee Nefe said...

sorry to hear this news. I hope that she recovers soon. Hugs.

Michelle said...

I'm so sorry to hear that Jasmine is having so many problems, but I'm very glad she has you loving and caring for her. Hang in there, it will get better.

I do have one question. Why are you not able to milk the inflamed side of her udder?

Leigh said...

Richard, Dr. Momi, and Renee, your sympathies are greatly appreciated!

Michelle, I'm not able to get anything from the right side of her udder because I believe the teat opening is blocked off. There could be several reasons for this, but I suspect it's because of the problems she had previously. Actually, I'm not entirely certain this is mastitis yet. That side of the udder is hard as a rock but not hot to touch. It may just be that the milk can't be let out. My best hope is to dry her up as quickly as possible, so it won't get any worse.

Michelle said...

OOOOOOOh! That makes sense. I bet there is scar tissue, or the opening is simply gone due to the trauma of last year. Wow. You sure are facing a lot with sweet Jasmine, aren't ya?

Leigh said...

Michelle, you're probably right. It likely is scar tissue. The teat doesn't even feel the same as the other when I try to milk it. It's a shame because she has good bloodlines which I would have welcomed in my Kinder herd. But life is not without its bumps and trials. This is just one of them.

Grace said...

You're such a good mom, Leigh. Hugs for you and lots of hugs for Jasmine. Sounds like she needs plenty of the personal touch just now, poor sweet girl.

Michelle said...

Ya know... I know someone who has a goat who had a mastectomy (the goat) due to a horrible udder injury and she kept her as a brood doe even though she couldn't be milked because of her bloodlines. Since she has no mammary glands, there is no pain in that regard when she kids. But... that narrow cervix may make all that irrelevant. Just wanted to throw the idea out there.

bspinner said...

Jasmine is so lucky to have such a caring family to take about her. I'm sure in the end she will be just fine.

Mary Ann said...

I'm glad you vetted Jasmine. I have so many friends who don't believe in vetting until the animal is almost gone... good on you! I hope she gets better quickly and steadily.

Leigh said...

Grace thanks. She was really clingy for several days but has responded beautifully to treatment. She's back to her old self.

Michelle, now that's a thought. Of course, I wonder what that would cost! Actually, I'm not even sure she's producing milk on that side. It is hard but not swelling with milk. I'm treating with herbs as for mastitis, but I don't necessarily think that's it either. The narrow cervix is another thing. It may have been swelling from the infection. The vet didn't totally disqualify her getting pregnant again, especially if the kid is smaller, such as a Pygmy daddy. No decisions yet. Just healing her and then we'll wait and see.

Barb, I certainly hope so. :)

Mary Ann, I'm always willing to try what I can at home, but not seeing the placenta was a big concern. She wasn't able to help much about Jasmine's udder, but at least I know the infection is cleared up.