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Here’s the 6 week Tatonka update! This is my 3rd blog post about this darling male Nigerian Dwarf goat.
If you missed the first two posts, check them out now:
Tatonka has undergone a 2-part surgery (by Dr. Hannah Muelller, at Cedarbrook Veterinary Care), to attempt to correct his severe limb deformities. The prognosis is uncertain, but the hope is that Tatonka will gain functional use of his legs.
Surgery #1 was on June 21st– to cut the tendons that were hyperextending Tatonka’s hocks and pulling up the toes of his hind legs.
Surgery #2 was on June 24th– to cut the flexor tendons that were holding his front legs in a bent position.
Immediately post-surgery, Tatonka recovered well from the sedation, and within hours was standing with assistance and grazing.
Here is a video clip from June 26th (from the New Moon Farm Goat Rescue & Sanctuary Facebook page):
Last night was difficult for Tatonka. He’s still in a lot of pain. Ellen wrote,
“Baby goat is having a rough time. Flailing around and crying out. Screams every time I put him down, and only settles when I hold him. Hoping the meds kick in soon, poor guy.”
As of today, I’m told that Tatonka wants to be held all the time. Put him down and he starts to cry! Can’t blame him, really. He’s just a baby without his momma.
I really had it rough today, helping do the holding. (Yeah, right!!) It was pure joy.
If you would like to make a donation toward Tatonka’s veterinary bills, you can make a donation at the New Moon Farm Goat Rescue & Sanctuary website. Every bit helps!
On May 17th– exactly 2 weeks ago– I did my first post about this little goat. At that time, he was only 3 days old and yet nameless. Now he has a name: Tatonka!
Read about Tatonka’s birth story and how he ended up at New Moon Farm Goat Rescue & Sanctuary (NMF) in that post, “Why Dairy Makes Me Sick.”
I thought it would be fun to include some progress reports about Tatonka in my blog, since I have the good fortune to volunteer at NMF every week. (Of course, I missed volunteering last week because of the Vida Vegan Con in Portland, Oregon.)
Here was an update from NMF on Saturday, May 25th…
“Two big “firsts” for Tatonka today. He had his first spontaneous baby BOING! He barely lifted off the ground, but it was definitely an attempt at jumping. Then, he started “grazing.” Not really eating anything, but chewing and licking at the grass – figuring it out. This little guy has improved dramatically in the past two days. He’s not only walking, his balance and stamina are improving. He can turn his head to look around without falling over. He can shake without falling over. And if he does fall over, he can get right back up!”
Here’s a video from that same day. (WARNING: cuteness overload).
The next day, Tatonka made the local news when King5.com did a news story: ”Disabled goat, just 6 inches tall, undergoing rehab“
Here he is today, Friday, May 31st…
Tatonka’s legs are very badly deformed. Splints are being tried to see if they will help with proper alignment of the feet.
Tatonka can now stand up on his own.
He can take little steps to turn around, too.
He crumples down easily. Standing takes a lot of effort for this little guy.
This picture shows how little he is. Ellen from NMF gives him some support.
This picture shows his scale. Tatonka is only 13″ long from head to tail.
That barn cat, Viggo, is very small and slender.
(and Viggo is an old man- 19 years old!)
Too cute!
Another picture to show his size. That’s my hand. He’s tiny!
Can you stand the cuteness anymore?
If you’d like to donate to New Moon Farm Goat Rescue & Sanctuary, Ellen would sure love your support! (She doesn’t know that I’m saying this.) The sanctuary is located in Arlington, WA.
Stay tuned for more Tatonka progress reports!
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UPDATE:
Tatonka Post-Surgery (June 28, 2013)
Freeheel Vegan 