Never in my life growing up did I think I would get around a goat much less doctor a goat. But last Thursday it happened.
Matt went up to the goat barn early Thursday morning to do the goat chores and came back to report that Moose, our big goat, was sick. There were a few very unlady-like things that were going on with poor old Moose and it was apparent he was miserable. He wouldn't get up, he wouldn't eat, his eyes were droopy, his nose was oozing something gross, and then well, the true tell-tale sign-the unmentionables that he was having to endure.
And we were having to witness.
I came inside and pulled down our goat go-to book and diagnosed him with bloat-a very unfortunate condition for goats. It can cause death pretty quickly. Goats are rudiment eaters, or something like that, and apparently they don't need the bread scraps and half a pound cake I threw out to them the day before. There was also a plethora of assorted vegetable scraps thrown to them because I had picked in the garden the day before.
And Moose had had a big ole feast. And in my penny-pinching mind I was thinking, "If they eat all the scraps we won't have to feed them as much goat feed."
So not true. Cause if your goat is dead then you will have purchased the goat feed in vain.
So Matt and I began our "Save The Goat Mission" which involved drenching (shooting corn oil and baking soda down his throat every hour) and trying to get him to drink so he wouldn't become dehydrated.
I really did not think he was going to make it. And dying of gas seemed a terrible way to go so I actually prayed that if he was going to die he would die quickly and not suffer much.
Guess what? Goats do not like to have corn oil and baking soda drenched down their throat. And it only has to happen one time before they realize what is going to happen when you come near. He was too sick to run from us, but he fought hard against me sticking my hand down his throat. Goats don't like that. And goats will bite.
He was pitiful all day and then when we woke up Friday morning he was standing. Later in the day he began to eat a little. And now he is fine. And as stubborn as ever.
At least he is back to his old self.
Today I'm linking up at Homestead Revival's Barn Hop. I love Amy's blog and her barn hop is great. I have learned so much from other ladies who link up. I hope you will visit her too.
I'm also linking up at Fresh Eggs Daily.
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