My goat Dixie has been showing signs of labor for 6 days now. An experienced goat owner had me go in and feel for a kid in the birth canal. Nothing but thick white goo was found. I checked her hourly through out the night and still nothing. Should I get some one else to go in and check position of kids? I'm a first timer and am extremely worried. What do I do?
What signs of labor is she having, exactly? Sounds like you already went in once and didn't find anything? Cervix was not dilated? Has she had any
amber discharge? Amber signifies amniotic fluid, which means it is GO TIME. White or clear is just normal discharge, mucous plug and the like and doesn't mean labor.
Stage one of labor is the one that drives us nuts. And sometimes a goat who is just uncomfortable being massively pregnant can
seem like she's getting into stage one, but isn't. Stage one is where she is getting ready to expel the kids, like the cervix dilating. Mild contractions appear late stage one, but not strong enough to force the kid out.
If she was in stage two of labor (hard, working labor where she is actively trying to expulse the kids), you'd definitely know. These are strong uterine contractions, most does have a hard time standing, though some can deliver standing.
Remember, that each time you put your hand/fingers in a doe you are exposing her to bacteria. Even if you wash up (definitely do it
very well), glove up (if you have nitrile gloves, use them, if not make sure finger nails are trimming short and filed smooth, remove all rings and jewelry), and use a water based lubricant (PLEASE DO, it will make it so much easier on her) to prevent trauma/tissue tearing. Standard practice is putting the doe on a course of antibiotics when you invade her like that. Remember to weigh her to make sure she gets the proper dose, and give it for ten days.
