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In this deeply personal and emotional episode, host Deborah Niemann shares the heartbreaking story of her goat, Coco, who experienced a uterine rupture and hemorrhage during a challenging kidding in 2013.

Deborah takes listeners on a journey through Coco's life, from her birth to her tragic passing after giving birth to quintuplets. This episode not only honors Coco’s memory but also provides valuable insights into the risks of uterine tears and hemorrhages in goats, how to recognize the signs, and what steps can be taken to prevent or address such emergencies.

Key Takeaways

• Uterine ruptures can occur during difficult births, especially when there is excessive pressure or improper handling during interventions.
• Goats are horizontal animals, so internal bleeding may not be visible externally. Instead, blood collects in the abdomen.
• Warning signs include mental absence, lethargy, pale eyelids (indicating anemia), and disinterest in kids or milking.

Lessons Learned from Coco’s Experience

1. Recognizing Symptoms:
   • If a goat seems mentally absent or unresponsive after kidding, check for anemia by examining their eyelids. Pale eyelids can indicate severe blood loss.
2. Importance of Veterinary Relationships:
   • Having an established relationship with a vet ensures quicker access to help during emergencies.
   • University veterinary hospitals can provide 24-hour care and specialized expertise if local vets are unavailable.
3. Risks of Certain Tools and Procedures:
   • Tools like kid pullers (wire nooses) can be effective but carry risks of causing uterine tears if not used carefully.
   • Procedures like fetotomies (cutting up a fetus for removal) are especially risky in small goats like Nigerians due to limited space in their uterus.
4. Postpartum Care:
   • Small uterine tears can heal naturally but may lead to infections.
   • Severe tears often require surgical intervention or result in fatal hemorrhaging.
5. Preventative Measures:
   • Avoid breeding smaller does with larger bucks to reduce the risk of oversized kids causing birthing complications.
   • Always ensure hands are clean, nails are trimmed short, and gloves are worn when assisting with kidding to minimize risks of tears or infections.

Resources Mentioned

1. Deborah’s book: Goats Giving Birth
2. Previous podcast episodes:
   • Blood Transfusion in Goats
   • Anemia in Goats

See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/uterine-rupture-and-hemorrhage-in-goats/

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