Forums HomeGrown Herbalist Student Forum Veterinary Herbology Baby goat with possible pneumonia

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    • #28254
      Sarah Eliassen
      Student
        We have a baby goat that’s a month old who looks to have a respiratory infection.
        We rescued her mama, older sister and the billy from some people in January and were told they weren’t bred until after the snow came (December). Mama gave birth in February! (out in the snow instead of where they’d be protected from weather. Obvious they were bred much earlier, but bc of this, we didn’t have her locked up where it was warm). She had 3, one was stillborn and 2 tiny girls. The other little girl passed away at 3 days old. She wasn’t strong enough to nurse, so we bottle fed her. But she never thrived. This last little girl nurses from mama and gets a supplemental bottle because she isn’t getting enough.
        About 7-10 days ago she started having goobers on her nose, then her eyes, and now she has been gurgly in the chest for the past 3 days. I’ve given her garlic tea, oregano oil, yarrow tea and usnea tincture. She doesn’t seem to be improving. I’m worried it’s pneumonia. Can I give her mullein, or is there a better expectorant?</span>
        • This topic was modified 1 year, 10 months ago by Sarah Eliassen.
      • #28271
        Sydney Alix
        Student

          Doc has mentioned that herbs like elecampane and gumweed have been known to have very good expectorant properties. Mullein is supposed to help as well, but the two I just mentioned are supposed to be more potent in that area.

          Do you have any probiotics that you can give her?

          • #28299
            Sarah Eliassen
            Student
            Topic Author

              I don’t have those 2 on hand, which is why I asked about the mullein. I began giving her mullein yesterday, and see a little improvement this morning.
              Probiotics…yes, I have some fermented carrots and could give her the juice off of them.

              • #28331
                Sydney Alix
                Student

                  Great!

                  If Mullein is all that you have, I would definitely use it. Herbs that have been known to help with immune modulating/antimicrobial properties would be great too (which it sounds like you’re already doing). Maybe also just try to keep her warm and out of any damp to help prevent things from getting worse.

                  I wish you all the best with her!

                  P.S. Do you know where she is at regarding her parasite load? If goat’s parasite loads are heavy, it can be a major drag on their immune systems.

            • #31764
              Dr. Patrick Jones
              Homestead Instructor

                Sorry for the slow reply on this one but you got good advice. :0)

                For respiratory stuff, anything I use on humans, I use on goats. Have a look at the respiratory system lessons.

                Sometimes animals that have a serious lung infections as kids/calves/colts will have a tendency to be susceptible to lots of respiratory infections in life. Treat those guys at the first signs of illness.

                The only danger in using herbs on goats is that they’ll often chase you around the pen for another helping of those tasty weeds.

                Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

                2 users thanked author for this post.
              • #57374
                Neisa Watkins
                Student

                  I have 7 goats that went to the fair 2 weeks ago. Today they have runny noses and one has diarrhea.  I found out yesterday that one of the other exhibitors had treated their goats for viral pneumonia just prior to the fair. Can I do honey/garlic infusion with mullein to support their recovery? I was planning to give them Nulfor but wanted to know if I could use herbs to support their recovery as well?

                   

                  • #58455
                    Dr. Patrick Jones
                    Homestead Instructor

                      You can do anything herbal with goats that you’d do with a human.

                      Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

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