Goat arthritis question

[Hermein]

I have two wethers that I got when they were a little less than one week old. They are now about four years old. One of them has ouchy, big knees–due, I think to arthritis. I have no idea of how to reduce the inflammation.

Does any goat person (or other) have any ideas of making Elvis comfortable?

Thank you.

[Epona142]

Have they been tested for CAE? This will make a lot of difference. If they are four years old and already showing symptoms it’s not really good news.

They can be given aspirin or banamine but if you overdo it it can damage rumen balance.

[chaos_theory]

I agree with Epona, 4 is early for true old age arthritis. I would submit a blood test for CAE (Google - lots of info) and see what it says. If it is CAE there is no cure unfortunately.

On our old girl (12 years old) with severe elbow arthritis we used Adequan and that kept her pretty comfy.

[Hermein]

He once got his leg caught in hot tape–which wasn’t hot at the time–and was evidently caught there for some time before I found him. This knee is larger than the other. I don’t know if it’s related, but he is also skinny and doesn’t have the voracious appetite of his brother.

I’ know nothing about CAE, but will research it.

I didn’t think of oral medication because of the multiple stomachs. Are there instructions on dosage somewhere? And Adequan? Are the shots given IM or subcue? Do you know what cc for about an 80lb goat?

Thanks very much. I’ll post back with an update when I have one.

[tikkamasala]

Swollen knees =>=> ask your vet to test for CAE!!! Typical presentation for CAE

[Epona142]

Yes, your first step here is to test for CAE.

Now - there is a LOT of fear-mongering about CAE. If your boys are infected with CAE they are not dangerous to anyone. CAE is spread through milk - I have not one confirmed case of it spreading any other way, though many claim it can spread through sharing water troughs and contact. I have not found this to be true in my research. The majority live symptom-less lives for a good long time.

It is only contagious to goats and sheep (It’s called OPP in sheep).

Which medication are you considering? When I give banamine, I give 1cc per 100lbs (you can go ahead and give him 1cc) IM. We don’t use Adequan so I am not sure if the dosage is different.

If he damaged that knee, it could be part of the problem indeed. If you can get it under control most goats get along just fine with one bum leg, but goats do not generally handle pain well - something to keep in mind.