Fractured Shoulder

[DownUnder Gal]

Atticus has a suspected hairline fracture of his shoulder.  We didn't see it happen, but came home last night to find him on three legs.  We think the second ranked goat who has been challenging him a lot lately may have caught him off guard.  That goat is a big solid animal with some real strength behind his horns.  The vet thinks that with confinement for 2-3 weeks and pain relief there is a good chance it will heal.  He's on meloxicam for pain relief/as an anti-inflammatory.  No x-ray was done because we would have had to knock him out to do it and whether fractured or not the vet felt the treatment would need to be the same.  A goat breeder I know has recommended the use of comfrey orally and also administered by poultice.  It is apparently very good in aiding the healing of fractures.  Does anyone have any experience with this?  He can weight bear but only just.  There may be a bit of nerve damage.

Atticus is eating in his stall and can see his friends.  But he is frustrated he can't join them (or reign over them as the herd boss) and I'm worried he will drop his bundle pyschologically.  I am trying to remain positive and not let him know I am worried because in my experience goats feed off your attitude when they are unwell.  His eyes are bright and he is enjoying his treats but this is going to be a very long 3 weeks