Peach and James’ Next Chapter
This March, a pregnant little goat entered our lives. She’s had quite an adventure here since then — read all about her arrival here and the birth of her son here.
Once Peach delivered baby James, our team started putting together a plan for her to finally get surgery on her hip. Based on her original imaging, doctors had recommended Peach get a femoral head ostectomy surgery to repair her dislocated hip. For a few months we waited, as Peach nursed James, and we encouraged James to start eating on his own in case Peach couldn’t nurse him during her surgery recovery. Finally, James was big enough to have some time away from Peach, and off she went to the hospital for her surgery.
Peach in the car on the way to her hospital visit
We anticipated her getting surgery very quickly and then beginning her recovery at the hospital. The updated round of images she received, however, showed that the surgery she had planned was no longer the best option. Peach is still growing — she’s still a baby herself! What we saw on the imaging was that her body has created a “false joint” around where her femoral head was displaced. Right now, she is able to get around, and the FHO surgery she was scheduled to have would very likely not be successful. Even if it was successful, there would be a high risk of the joint luxating again in the future, which would require an additional, more invasive procedure.
Peach carried by hospital staff
So, after a lot of observation and consultation, we decided that we’re not doing any surgeries at this point. Peach is currently mobile and comfortable on a low dose of pain medication. Surgery is still a possible future option, so we are going to keep a close eye on her. Even if she eventually needs surgery, she will always have some degree of compromised mobility. Peach made her way back home to the Sanctuary, where three month old baby James was waiting impatiently for her!
James insisted on nursing as soon as Peach came back into the stall
The two of them are very relieved to be back together, and soon they will begin the process of meeting the other rescued goats at the main barn. Mama Peach is the only goat James knows, so it will be very exciting for him to see new friends and build community!
Peach and James resting together in their stall
Peach’s visit to the hospital rounds out what’s been an incredibly busy month here at Woodstock—multiple emergencies, lots of vet visits, and of course the regular 24/7 care we provide the residents. Anything we raise over the cost of Peach’s hospital visit will go towards covering the many other bills racked up this month. You can help by donating here or on Venmo at Woodstock-Sanctuary. Thank you all for helping this little goat and her son find safety and comfort here at the Sanctuary.