The FastDay Forum

has a hacky cough. Should I just let it be? Its seems that when goats get something its can be serious and then they end up going to goat heaven.

I spent lots of money with a vet, from one little injection that did squat for my little baby goat, she went to goat heaven and I still had to pay $250 for an injection that did nothing.

Goats are not as hardy as one might expect. I think sheep are hardier. My goat is a Boer with cashmere infused.

[carorees]

Tricky...it depends so much...if you needed to pay $250 and your goat survived, would that seem worth it? Cos until you get a diagnosis you won't know if it's life threatening or curable. Of course the vet might not be able to cure her but at least you'd get a diagnosis. How old is she? If she's got potentially lots of years left that's again worth paying a bit? Lastly does your vet know much about goats? It's worth getting a vet who specializes in large animals not one who only ever sees cats and dogs.

I've spent many thousands of pounds on horse vets in the past so I feel your pain. It costs £100 just for the vet to come and make a diagnosis, then any treatment is extra.

So sorry to hear about your goat. One of my cats nearly died last year. The vet was wonderful and saved her but it cost me €600. I have also lost 4 chickens in an attack last month. It always hurts as for me as all animals (and birds) are part of my family, but it happens. It is part of having animals. Sometimes vets try but it is not possible to save an animal but the cost of the drugs and the vets time needs to be covered. Personally I will always take animals to the vet no matter the cost as they depend on me. I hope you find answers to this one but may have to just put it down to experience.

I know to get a vet that works with farm animals. I've called the vet, he will come out and take a look. I hope this time, the treatment will be effective. Last time I kept on trying to syringe feed, no needle attached, milk to hydrate the little goat. I may have added to his woes unfortunately and when the vet gave the antibiotics they were futile, can't say for sure.

Thankyou for your advice, its really supportive and reassuring.

Oh Zamale, so sorry to read about your little goat, I hope everything is O.K. Animals are SO good at tugging at the heart strings, here hoping......

Ballerina x