goat utters

[spud08]

I have a goat who has an utter that has hardened. Is there anything we can do to treat her for this?

[haybay]

We have a bred nanny and all of her milk has deposited to one udder. Her udder is naturally dragging the ground. Is there anything that can be done to even her milk out to each udder?

[stringoheart]

Can the utter be removed? has this ever been done? I have a pet goat with this same problem only her utter has always been very large and now it to has become hard. I am concerned because she is unable to lay down. I know she would be so much more comfortable without it. Please email me back at ***@****

Thank You

Linda

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

Please also post to the farm/large animal forum.  Thanks


Your goat has a form of mastitis (infection of the udder).  

It may be caused by a viral infection such as: Caprine arthritis and encephalitis (CAE), or one of the many bacterial infections that can infect udders such as: Staphylococcus aureus,  Streptococcus agalactiae, or, Mycoplasma species.

The bacterial infections can be cured with antibiotics, but there is no medication for CAE.
CAE treatment involves supportive therapy such as hot compresses, fluid therapy, and antibiotics for a secondary bacterial infection.  CAE can be diagnosed with blood tests.  

Bacterial infections can be diagnosed with culture and sensitivity or alternatively, antibiotics can be given without culture and sensitivity, or while waiting for the culture and sensitivity.  If the problem does not improve on the first antibiotic, another can be tried.  Bacterial forms of mastitis can take up to one month or more to resolve.  The viral infection will also resolve hopefully, if your goat has a good immune system and given supportive care.  However, it is contagious.