Hey, all. Quick question. My poor little Buttercup, who lost her baby last Sunday (5 days ago), still has a little bloody discharge. Is this normal? She is eating hay and up and walking around. I'm planning to catch her tomorrow and wash her nether-end with warm soapy water because it's got all kinds of bedding stuck to it. Any help appreciated. Thanks, dh in nm (aka: Olga-the-goat-girl).

-- debra in nm (dhaden@nmtr.unm.edu), May 04, 2001

Answers

Hi Debra, yes they can discharge for a couple of weeks or more. Just like in humans, the lochia should be dark brown (dead blood) with no smell. Though we will every once in a while see some bright red (fresh blood) in the discharge it should never be in large amounts. Vicki

-- Vicki McGaugh TX (vickilonesomedoe@hotmail.com), May 04, 2001.

Well, thank God! Yes, it's dark brown, not smelly, just looks horrid with all that bedding stuck to her rear; if I can get my hands on her tomorrow, we'll take care of that. What would I do without The Forumn? My sad little Buttercup... dh in nm

-- debra in nm (dhaden@nmtr.unm.edu), May 04, 2001.

Debra we shave the rears, legs, udder and belly of does before they kid, makes milking so much cleaner. After we get them cleaned up I apply oil in a spary bottle to the back of them. Makes everyday cleanup a breeze. No LaMancha would let themselves get all nasty like this! Vicki

-- Vicki McGaugh TX (vickilonesomedoe@hotmail.com), May 04, 2001.

Good tip. I'm assuming it's baby oil? Buttercup was my first shearing experiment (with the scissors), and her haircut leaves a LOT to be desired. I got better with the other goats. When I clean her up tomorrow I'll try and clip more hair and do the oil-thing. Thanks so much! dh in nm

-- debra in nm (dhaden@nmtr.unm.edu), May 04, 2001.