Chat
10-02-2016, 07:50 PM
I have had 2 arthritic goats, one with bad hips and one with bad knees. They may have been in bad shape before I stopped packing them. They would lye down quickly at rest breaks and at the end of the trip but never dropped their rear end. I could not see the joint pain and when they started limping they stopped walking within a few weeks. These were bonded bottle babies. Who literal followed me until they died.
2.5 miles is not along trip with 20 lbs. If the saddles are positioned well you do not need a pony pad. Look the goats over. You can see hot spots before they get bad. The hair is shortened, like bit off, the skin is pink and warm.
I can't help but wonder if the rear end dropping is learned behavior. If there is no other indication of pain, injury, or limp, it may be an avoidance behavior to doge the saddle. You'll have to test all the variables. Put the saddle on and walk off. Gradually add weight. Climb and descend and watch the saddle position.
Good luck
2.5 miles is not along trip with 20 lbs. If the saddles are positioned well you do not need a pony pad. Look the goats over. You can see hot spots before they get bad. The hair is shortened, like bit off, the skin is pink and warm.
I can't help but wonder if the rear end dropping is learned behavior. If there is no other indication of pain, injury, or limp, it may be an avoidance behavior to doge the saddle. You'll have to test all the variables. Put the saddle on and walk off. Gradually add weight. Climb and descend and watch the saddle position.
Good luck