I was given a nice little doe about a week ago from a friend. She freshened about 2 months ago. Anyway when I milked her this morning, I felt a something hard come through her teat and when I strained the milk there was a small amount of blood and what felt like mucous on the towel I used to strain with. What could this be? Thanks.

-- kathy in NE Ohio (kathy0801@msn.com), March 16, 2002

Answers

I had the exact same thing happen last year. Never did find out what it actually was, but it only happened one time and she was fine after that. We figured she had been hit or bruised in some way and that is what caused it. I did the temp and watched her to be sure she was eating and drinking okay and everything was fine except that clot of blood....weird.

-- Doreen (animalwaitress@yahoo.com), March 16, 2002.

As long as it lets up, ie there is not blood in the milk for a week or more, I wouldn't be too concerned. I had a problem on eyear where somebody had bloody milk for several days. It was a hassle, because the milk didn't look bloody until it had settled in the jar for awhile.

-- Rebekah (daniel1@itss.net), March 16, 2002.

I had blood in the milk once(for a few milkings) with my first doe. Not knowing what to do, I had the vet out, who gave her antibiotics, but in retrospect I do not believe she needed them. I think she just got a bump or something.

-- mary (mlg@mlg.com), March 16, 2002.

Thanks for the responses, I feel better now. I haven't had goats too long, but I have 4 now and I love them. Just want to know what's best for them. Thanks again.

-- kathy in NE Ohio (kathy0801@msn.com), March 16, 2002.