Response to goat health questioon

Cindy, at least your vet was sharp enough to draw blood for CAE (a virus that causes swollen knees and hocks ((the pointy back leg knees)) in does it can cause hard udders with no milk, and it really limits the lifespan). There isn't any chance your Saanen can give it to your LaMancha, unless you have blood to blood contact (a dog attack)etc. But just because your Saanen is tested and comes back positive, your LaMancha can also, already, be positive with no signs. I am sure if the vet was there he took his temperature? (102+) Trimmed and looked really close at the hoof, belonging to the swollen knee? Thing is with CAE, until they are very advanced in age, they don't lay around hurting. I would suspect an injury, some foot rot or something up in the toes etc. Remember the only place on a goats leg, below the knee, that can swell is his knee. Is it hot or tender? I would ask you vet about putting him on a course of Naxcel, (an excellect perscription anti-biotic) and maybe some Banamine for pain. Usually knee fluid will be pink if it is an injury (to the knee) and clear if it is an infection. Did he send the knee fluid in? Keep us posted.. Hate to see your first involement with goats go this way, send the vet bills to the Saanen's owner if he is positive! Vicki McGaugh

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