Chat
06-21-2016, 01:13 AM
Thanks for your thoughts everyone. The vet doesn't want anyone else in with him for both their sakes 
We've worked most of the afternoon fixing up his enclosure to make it more weather proof and now it's toasty warm instead of just passable as a winter shelter. Trust Atticus to do this in the middle of the foulest winter weather we've had for years! He's ruminating and enjoying the fresh browse delivered twice a day along with the plain grass hay available to him 24/7. He's very quiet so not sure if this is depression or if he's on cloud 9 from the meloxicam, time will tell I guess. Most of the other goats aren't straying far so he can see them. I might drench him with probiotic yoghurt and slippery elm over the next few days, am hoping that might smooth out any gut issues which can arise in situations like these. The other risk is UC - in my experience confined goats don't drink very well but it's winter here so I'm not expecting him to drink loads anyhow. I'm giving him apple cider vinegar and salt as a diuretic and to create a bit of thirst on the vet's advice and if necessary I'll drizzle water into his mouth if I think he's not getting enough. Comfrey will be given in a few days, both orally and as a poultice.
We've worked most of the afternoon fixing up his enclosure to make it more weather proof and now it's toasty warm instead of just passable as a winter shelter. Trust Atticus to do this in the middle of the foulest winter weather we've had for years! He's ruminating and enjoying the fresh browse delivered twice a day along with the plain grass hay available to him 24/7. He's very quiet so not sure if this is depression or if he's on cloud 9 from the meloxicam, time will tell I guess. Most of the other goats aren't straying far so he can see them. I might drench him with probiotic yoghurt and slippery elm over the next few days, am hoping that might smooth out any gut issues which can arise in situations like these. The other risk is UC - in my experience confined goats don't drink very well but it's winter here so I'm not expecting him to drink loads anyhow. I'm giving him apple cider vinegar and salt as a diuretic and to create a bit of thirst on the vet's advice and if necessary I'll drizzle water into his mouth if I think he's not getting enough. Comfrey will be given in a few days, both orally and as a poultice.
Happiness is a baby goat snoring in your lap