I mentioned that Saturday was not really a good day to buy an animal from the sale barn because of the heat and humidity. I was serious. By the time we got home, it was obvious that Benji had shipping fever. Honestly, it’s pneumonia caused by stress, and going through the sale barn in horrid heat is quite stressful.
Benji
I treated him with antibiotics, banamine, and probiotics. I did do a fecal, which came back clean.
He really wants out to join the herd.
This is why it’s always best to isolate a new animal to the farm. Unfortunately, especially with this heat, I’m not well-equipped to completely isolate him.
Cupid coming to say “hi.”
I did call the vet and he came to check him. He agreed that Benji is a nice-looking buck, but he’s still really congested. He added another long-lasting antibiotic and said to do the banamine for another day.
Won’t Benji and 2TC make beautiful babies!
So far, getting him to eat has been the hardest thing. I think it’s the being penned alone, not feeling well, and the stress of moving to a new place. The vet did give him some vitamin B to try to stimulate his appetite. We also talked about the need to continue isolation, but a companion would likely help reduce his stress and encourage him to eat. After weighing the risks and benefits, I decided to put Gilbert in there with Benji.
Gilbert (not so happy with the move) and Benji
He already seems calmer. He wants to get to know Gilbert. And after Gilbert was eating, Benji decided to check it out as well.
Here’s to a soon-to-be healthy Benji. I am optimistic he’ll fully recover and give me lots of beautiful babies.
Teresa
Eden Hills 