For the Love of Goats

Author: Deborah Niemann

We are talking about everything goats! Whether you're an owner, a breeder, or just a fan of these wonderful creatures, we've got you covered. Join host and author Deborah Niemann as she interviews experts and goat lovers so we can all learn more about how to improve the health and production of our goats, improve our relationships, and possibly even start a goat business.Happy anniversary to us! FTLOG is five years old! As we enter our sixth year, you can continue to expect to hear from more goat experts like vet professors and researchers who are on the leading edge of goat research. Youll also hear from goat owners who have turned their love of goats into a successful business. And this year, youll hear more stories about goats and the people who love them. Learn more on our website, fortheloveofgoats.com 
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Language: en-us

Genres: Kids & Family, Pets & Animals

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When a Goat Needs a C-Section
Episode 173
Wednesday, 25 February, 2026

Got a question? 🤔 Head over to -- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/when-a-goat-needs-a-c-section/ -- and drop it in the comments—so we can reply! DescriptionIn this episode, Deborah Niemann is joined by Dr. Melissa Holahan, a veterinarian and experienced goat breeder, to tackle one of the most anxiety-provoking topics in goat keeping: C-sections and difficult births.Together, they walk through what actually happens when a goat needs surgical intervention during labor, why panic and delay often cause more harm than transport to a veterinarian, and how healthy does can tolerate long labors far better than most owners realize. Dr. Holahan explains the real reasons goats need C-sections, including malpositioned or tangled kids, immature does, malformed kids, and true failure to dilate — while also clearing up common misconceptions about labor timelines.The conversation also covers how to recognize true emergencies like pregnancy toxemia and hypocalcemia, why nutrition in late gestation plays such a critical role in preventing complications, and what goat owners should expect before, during, and after a C-section. From anesthesia options to post-surgical care, herd management, and future breeding decisions, this episode provides practical, experience-based guidance grounded in veterinary medicine.If you’ve ever worried that your goat “wouldn’t survive the trip to the vet,” felt unsure about when to intervene during labor, or wondered whether a doe can safely be bred again after a C-section, this episode will help you replace fear with clarity and confidence.Thanks for tuning in! If you’d like to support the content you love and help us keep bringing you new goat resources, you can do that through our Tip Jar. No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. 🔹 Check out Goats 365 membership 🔹 Or explore The Goat Academy 🔹Looking for Deborah's books? They can be purchased wherever books are sold, or you can get an autographed copy on our online store. Happy goat-keeping! 🐐