Livestock Throw Down

No one ever said life on a farm is boring.  As soon as we got the big boys on the school bus, Alistair and I headed out back to do the farm chores.  Normally Ava is the first to be let out and comes bounding out of the barn full of jumps and energy.  This morning, I swung the barn door open and she remaining laying on the straw.  She did not even get up.  When I finally enticed her up, she limped outside and promptly lowered herself back down on the ground.  She did not want to drink water or pee.  She just lay there mournfully.  I felt her all over and not finding any evidence of burrs, ticks, quills, cuts, lumps, etc., I had Ian come out and feel her all over too.  Nothing.  I called the vet.

We were in the office by 10 am.  Alistair was her comfort human during her examination.  The vet diagnosed trauma to Ava's rib area.  She is in a lot of pain.  

Our best guess is that she got in an altercation with a goat (likely Martha), got headbutted hard to the ribs and came out on the losing side of the battle.  Martha and the rest of the goats seem unharmed.  Ava is now separated from the goats in the paddock and has received her first dose of painkiller.  I mixed it into some kibble with warm rice, peanut butter and some broken up dog bones. She is now sleeping.

Tonight we will return Ava's crate to the goat barn to keep everyone separated and offer some protection to Ava while she heals.  

It is always something.  It is going to be interesting balancing a full time job (provided I find one) with caring for these crazies.  Why can't we all just get along?