Goat Lame in Front Hoof

NOTE: PLEASE EXCUSE THE HORSE TERMS :)

For the third time in about a months time, my goat Beauty is lame on her front left hoof. She just stands in the stall and holds it in the air, looking at me like "Don't you care?". And I do care, but I'm not sure what to do. The first time it happened it was because her hooves were a bit long, but these other times I've looked at her hooves and they look fine. Her hock feels warmer than the front right hock. It only lasts about two days. And usually happens on a weekend so when Monday comes around --- when I could take her to the vet --- she isn't limping anymore.

At first, I wondered if it was the running on gravel, because they are eating the grass next to the 200ft driveway we have, so in order to get to and from, they have to use the gravel driveway. However, we take that route no matter where we go because the drive runs to the barn doors. Also, if this were the case, why are the other three ok?

Any thoughts? My brother thought hoof rot, but my dad checked it out and the hoof looks normal. Not sure what to do. Like I said, she'd healed fine in the past --- except every once in awhile she'll limp slightly when running at top speed.

Am also wonder if it has something to with her back dew claws (proper term?).

Other things to note: This is my goat with all of the health problems. This year alone she has been anemic, shed all her hair to the skin twice, weird dandruff, changed partial coat colors while still maintaining the softest (and fluffest) coat around. She also had pregnancy problems with her previous owner, had some odd "heat" problems when I first got her, prone to have weight problems, can easily get "sick" on too many hay field grazing, is the bottom of the pack, and in the winter -- instead of growing a longer coat --- does not grow her coat out, but rather just grows an excessive "mohair or cashmere" coat, which grows longer (and softer) than her coat of hair. Lastly, was called just a "strange goat altogether" by a U of I Vet----- all while the other three remain fine and unchanged healthwise.

Any suggestions would be helpful! Would to take to the vet, but am afraid of being laughed at when she stops limping!

Thanks,

-WG4

Replies

Sam B May 17, 2015 at 1:38am

I've noticed a huge lack of knowledge and resources when it comes to founder in goats. The cases are becoming increasingly common, as city goats and pet goats are becoming increasingly common, this painful condition is often over-looked and ignored. Unless an acute case appears. Maybe I'll write and attach an article about the subject and what to do. I'm no expert, but something is better than nothing. I've been dealing with laminitis and founder in my 9 year old doe since she was 4 and it doesn't seem like this goat is foundering.
Adrienne December 4, 2011 at 4:35pm

You could always give the vet a shot. just explain whats going on...maybe they can x ray it and make sure there's nothing unusual. Can goats get bone spurs or anything like that?
Melissa Johnson December 3, 2011 at 11:10pm

Now that comment makes me concerned maybe I shouldnt be giving my goats a little Calf Manna - the protein thing. hum.

WorkingGoats4 said:

I was reading about foundering, but it looks like it comes more from too much protein from eating grain and my goats are strickly on on grass/clover/alfalfa mix hay -- no grain at all. She also only limps on one foot, instead of both front or all four.

Do you think it'd be worth it to take her to a vet to see? It comes and goes, but I'd still like to know what it is.

Any other thoughts Deborah?

-WG4
Deborah Niemann-Boehle November 13, 2011 at 11:33pm

One foot sounds like an injury. Nothing else is coming to me.
Elyse Nicholson November 12, 2011 at 11:43pm

I was reading about foundering, but it looks like it comes more from too much protein from eating grain and my goats are strickly on on grass/clover/alfalfa mix hay -- no grain at all. She also only limps on one foot, instead of both front or all four.

Do you think it'd be worth it to take her to a vet to see? It comes and goes, but I'd still like to know what it is.

Any other thoughts Deborah?

-WG4
Deborah Niemann-Boehle November 12, 2011 at 10:43pm

I've never seen this in a goat or sheep except when a hoof was trimmed too closely or a large splinter of wood was stuck into the bottom of the hoof -- in other words, an injury.

Here's an article on laminitis in goats:

http://www.tennesseemeatgoats.com/articles2/founderingoats.html
Jackie K November 12, 2011 at 6:32pm

Do you think she could be foundering? I am assuming that a goat can founder (get laminitis) just like a horse can but I could be wrong. But that's what the warmth makes me think of.

This reply was deleted.