Spinal lymphoma in a goat.

A 3-year-old Pygmy Wether was presented for chronic hindlimb paralysis. A neurological exam revealed nonambulatory paraplegia with absent deep pain nociception, lack of hindlimb withdrawal reflexes, and paraspinal pain on palpation with T3 to L3 neurolocalization. MRI of the lumbar spine revealed an extensive, dorsal to dorsolateral, severely compressive, heterogeneously contrast-enhancing extradural lesion of the lumbar spine with intervertebral foraminal extension into the surrounding paraspinal musculature. Vertebral bone marrow involvement was also noted in the L5 and L6 vertebrae. A diagnosis of lymphoma was obtained after cytological sampling. This is the first case report describing specific MRI findings (signal characteristics, enhancement pattern, and perilesional changes) in a goat with paraspinal lymphoma.

CT features of malignant tubular genital tract tumors in seven goats.

Neoplasia of the tubular genital tract in goats, while rarely described, is most commonly reported as uterine adenocarcinoma, leiomyoma, or leiomyosarcoma. In this retrospective, single-center, case series, medical records were searched for goats with a computed tomography (CT) diagnosis of tubular genital mass and a definitive histologic (surgical biopsy or necropsy) diagnosis of malignant neoplasia. Data recorded from CT images were presence of peritoneal/retroperitoneal fluid, urinary tract obstruction, abdominal lymphadenomegaly, additional abdominal nodules/masses, and pulmonary nodules. For masses, maximum cross-sectional area, contrast enhancement, and uterine luminal fluid accumulation were also recorded. Seven goats met the inclusion criteria (leiomyosarcoma n = 5, adenocarcinoma n = 2). Both goats with adenocarcinoma had upper urinary tract obstruction, moderate to severe regional lymphadenopathy, peritoneal fluid, and peritoneal or hepatic nodules/masses; one goat with adenocarcinoma was discharged and subsequently euthanized, and the other had palliative mass debulking and was lost to follow up. Goats with leiomyosarcoma had infrequent, mild peritoneal fluid and mild sublumbar lymphadenopathy. Of the goats with leiomyosarcoma, two were euthanized at or near the time of CT imaging, two were euthanized at the time of surgery due to perceived mass non-resectability, and one had mass regression approximately four months post ovariohysterectomy but was subsequently lost to follow up. Five goats had pulmonary nodules, three of which had pathologic confirmation (pulmonary metastasis in a single patient with adenocarcinoma, and lungworm granulomas in two goats with leiomyosarcoma). Severe sublumbar lymphadenopathy and obstructive uropathy were sequelae in the two caprine patients with genital adenocarcinoma, and in none with leiomyosarcoma.

Comparative analysis of the main outer membrane proteins of Brucella in the diagnosis of brucellosis.

Brucellosis has placed a heavy economic burden on numerous countries and has consumed considerable medical resources worldwide. To improve the specificity and sensitivity of serological methods for diagnosing brucellosis, it is important to develop new diagnostic antigens. Brucella outer membrane proteins(omps) possess good immunogenicity, but there is a scarcity of comparative studies of these proteins in the clinical diagnosis of brucellosis. In this study, six recombinant Brucella outer membrane proteins, omp10, omp16, omp19, omp25, omp31 and BP26, were expressed in prokaryotic cells and utilized as diagnostic antigens. The clinical sera of humans, bovines and goats with brucellosis were analyzed by indirect ELISA using these proteins, lipopolysaccharide(LPS) and Rose Bengale Ag, served as positive-control antigens. In diagnosing human and goat serum, BP26 exhibited the highest diagnostic accuracy of 96.45% and 95.00%, respectively, while omp31 exhibited the strongest ability to detect Brucella in bovine serum with an accuracy of 84.03%. Cross-reaction experiments also confirmed that the diagnostic specificities of omp31 and BP26 were higher than those of the LPS and Rose Bengale Ag antigens. The results of this study indicate that omp31 and BP26 are candidate antigens with high potential application value in the clinical diagnosis of brucellosis.

CT appearance and measurements of the normal thyroid gland in goats.

BACKGROUND: Goats are increasingly being kept as companion animals, thus their owners expect advanced medical care, including modern diagnostic imaging. Computed tomography (CT) is now widely used in veterinary medicine, in both clinical practice and for scientific purposes. So far, the CT appearance of various body parts has been described in goats, but reports on thyroid gland CT are still lacking. The thyroid gland in goats may become enlarged due to dietary, genetic or neoplastic disorders. CT examination, as in other animals and humans, could aid in the diagnosis of thyroid diseases in goats and could be used for research purposes. The aim of the study was to present the CT characteristics of the normal caprine thyroid gland, in particular its dimensions, volume and density. RESULTS: Fifty-seven goats were included in the study. None of the animals had clinical, CT, post-mortem or histopathologic abnormalities in the thyroid gland. CT features of the thyroid gland were determined, such as dimensions, volume, density, location and shape. The presence of the thyroid isthmus and ectopic thyroid tissue was also assessed. The gland was visible in every animal as two homogenous, highly attenuating, well-circumscribed lobes located in the most cranial part of the trachea. The mean dimensions of the thyroid lobe were 30.3 × 12.7 × 6.7 mm, the mean density was 80.9 Hounsfield Units (HU) and the mean volume was 1.32 cm3 or 1.39 cm3, depending on the method used. Also, the internal parathyroid glands were visible in some animals. CONCLUSIONS: For the first time, the normal CT appearance of the thyroid gland has been presented. CT clearly shows the thyroid gland in goats and therefore can be used in clinical practice and for research. The results of the current study may serve as a radiological guideline for practitioners and may be the basis for further CT studies on normal and diseased caprine thyroid glands.

Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography in goats: repeatability, variability, and validation of the technique using an exercise test and an experimentally induced acute ischemic cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Two-dimensional speckle tracking (2DST) technique has been validated in numerous animal species, but neither studies of repeatability nor measurements after exercise or in animals with cardiac disease have been reported in goats. Goats are an attractive candidate for animal models in human cardiology because they are easy to handle and have a body and heart size comparable to that of humans. Therefore, the aim of this study was to validate this technique in goats for further clinical and experimental applications in this species. RESULTS: This study was divided into several steps. First, a standardized echocardiographic protocol was performed and 5 cineloops of a right parasternal short-axis view at papillary muscles level were recorded three times at one-day intervals in ten healthy adult unsedated Saanen goats to test repeatability and variability of 2DST measurements. Then, the same measurements were performed immediately before and after a standardized exercise on treadmill in seven of the goats, and at 24 h after induction of an experimental ischemic cardiomyopathy in five of the goats, to test the reliability of the technique to assess physiological and pathological changes. Average and regional measurements of radial and circumferential strain and strain rate, radial displacement, rotation and rotation rate were obtained. Comparisons were performed using two-way ANOVA (p < 0.05). Caprine 2DST average measurements have demonstrated a good repeatability with a low to moderate variability for all measurements except for the diastolic peaks of the circumferential strain rate, radial strain rate and rotation rate. Segmental 2DST measurements were less repeatable than average measurements. Time effect of two-way ANOVA was significant for anteroseptal segment diastolic peaks measurements, rotation and rotation rate measurements. Overall variability of segmental measurements was moderate or high. Segmental and average peak values obtained after exercise and after myocardial ischemia were significantly different than curves obtained at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study are consistent with those previously described in other animal species and humans. 2DST echocardiography is a valid technique to evaluate physiological and pathological changes in myocardial function in goats, despite the technical limitations observed in this species.

Radiographic and computed tomographic appearance of caseous lymphadenitis in a goat.

A 2-year-old Boer doe was presented with respiratory distress and severe inspiratory dyspnea. Cervical and thoracic radiographs revealed a marked retropharyngeal soft tissue mass effect, several mineralized pharyngeal and retropharyngeal structures, and a pulmonary mass. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a severely enlarged right medial retropharyngeal lymph node, which caused laryngeal compression, leading to upper airway obstruction. Multiple cervical and thoracic lymph nodes, and the pulmonary mass had an irregular layered/laminated pattern of mineralization. Imaging findings were consistent with caseous lymphadenitis, and further confirmed with culture, necropsy, and histopathology. This is the first report of CT appearance of caseous lymphadenitis in a goat.

Transrectal ultrasound evaluation in tropical dairy goats: an indispensable tool for the diagnosis of reproductive disorders.

In Brazil, great milk productivity was achieved after the implementation of a genetic improvement program. However, reproductive efficiency is still far from optimal, possibly due to the high number of undiagnosed disorders that may affect fertility. The aim of this study was to evaluate occurrences of the main reproductive disorders in dairy goats in southeastern Brazil. Data were collected between January 2015 and May 2017 from 23 commercial herds of different breeds, with goats ranging from 8 months to 12 years of age. Transrectal ultrasound exams were performed in 2680 goats. A total of 14.8% of the does showed a disorder in the reproductive tract: hydrometra (10.0%), ovarian follicular cysts (2.3%), gestational loss (1.5%), and hydrosalpinx (1.1%). This was the first study evaluating reproductive disorders in live animals that used a high number of Brazilian dairy goats. Considering that all these diseases affect fertility to different degrees, the performance of transrectal ultrasonography exams twice a year is strongly suggested, in order to guide precocious treatment or discard the animal as soon as possible, thus reducing economic losses in dairy goat farming.

Ultrasonographic findings in goats with contagious caprine pleuropneumonia caused by Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae.

BACKGROUND: In goats, contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP) is a cause of major economic losses in Africa, Asia and in the Middle East. There is no information emphasising the importance of diagnostic ultrasound in goats with CCPP caused by Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae (Mccp). This study was designed to describe the ultrasonographic findings in goats with CCPP caused by Mccp and to correlate ultrasonographic with post-mortem findings. To this end, 55 goats with CCPP were examined. Twenty-five healthy adult goats were used as a control group. RESULTS: Major clinical findings included harried, painful respiration, dyspnoea and mouth breathing. On ultrasonography, a liver-like echotexture was imaged in 13 goats. Upon post-mortem examination, all 13 goats exhibited unilateral pulmonary consolidation. Seven goats had a unilateral hypoechoic pleural effusion. At necropsy, the related lung was consolidated and the pleural fluid appeared turbid and greenish. Pleural abscessiation detected in five goats was confirmed post-mortem. Twenty-eight goats had a bright, fibrinous matrix extending over the chest wall containing numerous anechoic fluid pockets with medial displacement and compression of lung tissue. Echogenic tags imaged floating in the fluid were found upon post-mortem examination to be fibrin. In two goats, a consolidated right parenchyma was imaged together with hypoechoic pericardial effusions with echogenic tags covering the epicardium. At necropsy, the right lung was consolidated in three goats and fibrin threads were found covering the epicardium and pericardium. CONCLUSIONS: In goats with CCPP, the extension and the severity of the pulmonary changes could not be verified with clinical certainty in most cases, whereas this was possible most of the time with sonography, thus making the prognosis easier. Ultrasonographic examination of the pleurae and the lungs helped in the detection of various lesions.

IMAGING DIAGNOSIS-THE COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC APPEARANCE OF A GIANT CELL TUMOR AFFECTING THE MANDIBLE IN A PYGMY GOAT.

A 3-year-old male neutered pygmy goat presented for evaluation of a progressive mandibular swelling and inappetence. A computed tomographic (CT) scan of the head and thorax was performed under general anesthesia. Computed tomography revealed an extensive multiloculated, markedly expansile lesion within the right hemimandible, which involved the articular surface of the temporomandibular joint. The goat was euthanased due to a poor prognosis and postmortem examination confirmed the diagnostic imaging findings. Histopathology was strongly suggestive of a multinucleated giant cell tumor, therefore this condition should be considered as a differential diagnosis in goats presenting with expansile mandibular mass lesions.

An unusual case of thoracic ectopia cordis in a Toggenburg Goat and its three-dimensional images constructed with X-ray computed tomography.

A two-day-old female Toggenburg goat with thoracic ectopia cordis (EC) was diagnosed via radiography and computed tomography. The goat was born with EC, defects of the sternum and a supra-umbilical abdominal wall, but without the presence of Cantrell's syndrome. Necropsy and histopathological findings indicated the affected kid had malformation of the heart with an enlarged left ventricle. The findings showed the heart (9 x 5 x 5 cm) stayed outside the thorax, and was covered by a semitransparent membrane. This report is the first to describe a case of thoracic EC in a goat whose sternum was not developed fully and was not connected to the ribs. It is also the first paper to describe three-dimensional images of this condition constructed from computed tomography scans.

B-mode and Doppler sonography of the mammary glands in dairy goats for mastitis diagnosis.

This study aimed to evaluate the sonographic characteristics of the udder and teats and to determine the Doppler indexes of mammary artery in healthy and undergoing subclinical and clinical mastitis goats. Thirty animals among Saanen and Alpine Brown goats were arranged in three groups, healthy goats (HG), goats with subclinical mastitis (SMG) and goats with clinical mastitis (CMG). Using the B-mode, the sonographic characteristics (echotexture and echogenicity) and biometry (diameter and area of the udder cistern, diameter and area of the teat cistern and thickness of the teat wall) were evaluated. Using Doppler ultrasonography, the vascular indexes of the mammary artery were obtained. It was observed hyperechogenicity with solid component in the gland cistern when comparing animals with clinical mastitis and healthy mammary tissue. Regarding the echotexture of the breast tissue, there was heterogeneity in the mammary parenchyma on the three groups, for the milk, it was observed homogeneity for animals on HG and SMG and heterogeneity for animals on CMG. Grey-scale quantitative assessment revealed increase in echogenicity (mean value) for all the structures when comparing the three groups. Biometry did not reveal statistical difference between groups, for none of the evaluated structures. Doppler examination of the mammary artery showed the decrease of end diastolic velocity and raise of pulsatility index between groups. The association of B-mode and Doppler ultrasonography is useful for the evaluation of the udder of dairy goats with mastitis. It is a sensitive and specific method for the study of this disease. Doppler mode was unable to establish reliable criteria for diagnosis of subclinical mastitis. Moreover, the quantification of echogenicity is a useful technique for the evaluation of the milk in animals with mastitis; therefore, it is suggested that it can be used as complementary technique for the diagnosis of mastitis in goats.

[Sonographic findings in two miniature goats with metastatic bile duct carcinoma]. / Sonographische Befunde bei zwei Zwergziegen mit metastasierendem Gallengangskarzinom.

This case study describes 2 miniature goats with metastatic bile duct carcinoma. The main clinical sign was a pear-shaped abdomen due to abdominal distension in case 1 and stranguria and pollakiuria in case 2. Liver enzyme activity was markedly elevated in both goats, and ultrasonographic examination showed multiple round echoic structures that were partly surrounded by a hypoechoic zone. A tentative diagnosis of liver tumour was made based on the sonographic findings, and a final diagnosis of intrahepatic bile duct carcinoma was made post mortem.

Use of plain radiography in the diagnosis, surgical management, and postoperative treatment of obstructive urolithiasis in 25 goats and 2 sheep.

OBJECTIVE: To describe use of plain radiography for diagnosis, surgical management, and postoperative treatment of obstructive urolithiasis in small ruminants. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: Small ruminants (n = 27; 25 goats, 2 sheep). METHODS: Medical records (January 2002-November 2011) and radiographs for all small ruminants diagnosed with obstructive urolithiasis and having plain abdominal radiographs were reviewed. Signalment, surgical procedures, radiographic findings, ultrasonographic findings, position of calculi, and how plain radiography influenced surgical management and postoperative treatment were recorded. RESULTS: Radiopaque urinary calculi were detected in 23 (85%) plain radiographic studies. Location of uroliths determined by plain radiography included: cystic only (n = 5), distal to the sigmoid flexure and cystic (5), subischial (5), distal to the sigmoid flexure only (3), sigmoid flexure (3), and subischial and cystic (2). In 8 of these animals, postoperative radiographs revealed residual calculi in the urethra and were essential for their targeted removal by urethrotomy in 7 animals. CONCLUSIONS: In regions where radiopaque calculi (calcium carbonate, calcium oxalate, silica) are commonly encountered in small ruminants, plain radiographs are recommended to determine the appropriate surgical approach(es) and to confirm resolution of the obstruction.

Ultrasonographic examination of the abdomen of the goat. I. Reticulum, rumen, omasum, abomasum and intestines.

This review article summarizes the ultrasonographic findings of the reticulum, rumen, omasum, abomasum and intestines of goats. Ultrasonographic examination is done on both sides with the goat in a standing position using a linear array or convex transducer with a frequency of 5.0 to 7.5 MHz. The shape, contour and motility of the reticulum are assessed; this organ appears as a crescent-shaped structure with a smooth contour immediately adjacent to the diaphragm. There are 0.8 to 2.1 reticular contractions per minute, which may be mono-, bi- and triphasic. The rumen is examined from the 8th to 12th intercostal spaces (ICSs) and flank on the left, and from the 12th ICS and flank on the right. The ruminal wall appears as a thick echoic line. The dorsal and ventral sacs of the rumen are differentiated based on the longitudinal groove, which forms an echoic notch. Differentiation of the dorsal gas cap, fibre mat and fluid layer is not always straightforward and varies among goats. The omasum is examined from the 6th to 11th ICSs on the right. Only the wall closest to the transducer can be imaged and it appears as a crescent-shaped echoic line medial to the liver. The omasal folds and the wall furthest from the transducer cannot be seen. In about two thirds of goats, active omasal motility is apparent as a transient reduction in size of several centimetres, followed by relaxation and return to its original size. There is an average of 1.1 contractions per minute. The abomasum is examined from the ventral midline and the left and right paramedian regions and can always be seen from the ventral midline. In all but a few goats the abomasum is also visible from the left and right paramedian areas. It appears as a heterogeneous, moderately echoic structure with echogenic stippling. The abomasal folds appear as prominent echoic bands in about two thirds of all goats. The small and large intestines are examined on the right from the 8th to the 12th ICSs. Loops of jejunum and ileum are seen mainly in cross-section and have a strong motility. The intestinal content is usually homogeneous and echoic and the diameter of the intestinal loops varies from 0.8 and 2.7 cm. The spiral colon and in many cases also the caecum can be imaged. The former is recognized by its garland-like appearance brought about by the centripetal and centrifugal coils of the intestine. In the spiral colon and the caecum, only the wall closest to the transducer can be imaged because of intraluminal gas. The wall appears as a thick echoic and slightly undulating line 5.6 to 8.0 cm in length. Ultrasonography is an imaging technique that is very well suited for the examination of the gastrointestinal tract of goats.

Transabdominal ultrasonographic findings in goats with paratuberculosis.

This study describes the transabdominal ultrasonographic findings in 54 goats with confirmed Johne's disease (JD). Compared with the control group (0.8 ± 0.4 mm thick), the test group presented with mild (2.8 ± 0.2 mm), moderate (4.2 ± 0.4 mm), and severe (6.9 ± 1.1 mm) thickening of the intestinal wall. The most outstanding ultrasonographic findings were pronounced enlargement of the mesenteric lymph nodes in 49 goats. In 36 goats, the enlarged lymph nodes showed a hypoechoic cortex and a hyperechoic medulla. In 7 goats, the cortex and medulla were hypoechoic. In 5 goats, the cortex and the medulla could not be differentiated. In the remaining cases, the cortex and medulla contained small hypoechoic lesions. Necropsy findings included enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes in 52 goats and thickening of the small intestinal wall in 30 goats. Compared with the postmortem results, the antemortem ultrasound sensitivity in detecting intestinal wall thickness and enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes was 80% and 94%, respectively.

Constatations échographiques transabdominales chez des chèvres atteintes de paratuberculose. Cette étude décrit les constatations échographiques transabdominales chez 54 chèvres atteintes de cas confirmés de la maladie de Johne (MJ). Comparativement au groupe témoin (0,8 ± 0,4 mm d'épaisseur), le groupe test a présenté un épaississement léger (2,8 ± 0,2 mm), modéré (4,2 ± 0,4 mm) et grave (6,9 ± 1,1 mm) de la paroi intestinale. Les constatations échographiques les plus remarquables étaient une hypertrophie prononcée des ganglions lymphatiques mésentériques chez 49 chèvres. Chez 36 chèvres, les ganglions lymphatiques ont montré un cortex hypoéchogène et une médulla hyperéchogène. Chez 7 chèvres, le cortex et la médulla étaient hypoéchogènes. Chez 5 chèvres, on ne pouvait pas différencier le cortex et la médulla. Dans les autres cas, le cortex et la médulla contenaient de petites lésions hypoéchogènes. Les constatations à la nécropsie incluaient des ganglions lymphatiques mésentériques hypertrophiés chez 52 chèvres et l'épaississement de la paroi du petit intestin chez 30 chèvres. Comparativement aux résultats post-mortem, la sensibilité échographique antemortem lors de la détection de l'épaisseur de la paroi intestinale et des ganglions lymphatiques mésentériques hypertrophiés était de 80 % et de 94 %, respectivement.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Extraskeletal osteosarcoma of the thorax in a goat: case report.

BACKGROUND: This report describes the results of clinical, ultrasonographic and computed tomographic examination of a 16-year-old goat with extraskeletal osteosarcoma of the thorax. CASE PRESENTATION: The lead clinical signs were abnormal condition and demeanour, fever, tachycardia, tachypnoea, dyspnoea and dilated jugular veins. Ultrasonographic examination of the thorax revealed a precardial mass, measuring 16.4 by 11.4 by 14.2 cm. Computed tomographic examination showed dorsocaudal displacement of the trachea, heart and lungs to the right. A tentative diagnosis of mediastinal or pleural neoplasia was made, and the goat was euthanased and necropsied. A definitive diagnosis was based on histological examination of the mass. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this case report is the first description of extraskeletal osteosarcoma of the thorax in goats and serves to broaden the diagnostic spectrum of thoracic diseases in this species. Extraskeletal osteosarcoma should be part of the differential diagnosis in goats with thoracic tumours.

Imaging of the Urinary and Reproductive Tract in Small Ruminants.

Ultrasound imaging is the mainstay of urinary and reproductive imaging in small ruminants, assisted by the relatively superficial location of the urinary and reproductive tracts in these species. Radiography can provide an excellent overview of the abdomen, but is often limited by a lack of adequate penetration. Computed tomography scans provide summation-free imaging of the urinary and reproductive tracts in addition to information about the excretion of contrast agent by the kidneys, but can be limited by availability and cost.

Nasopharyngeal nephroblastoma in a 3-month-old Boer goat.

A 3-mo-old, female Boer goat was presented because of respiratory difficulties. Tachypnea and inspiratory dyspnea were noted during physical examination. Thoracic radiographs were unremarkable; however, upper airway and nasal passage radiographs revealed a soft tissue mass within the nasal passages. The patient underwent cardiorespiratory arrest and did not respond to resuscitation efforts during endoscopy. A large, pedunculated, semi-firm mass originated from the soft palate and obstructed 90% of the nasopharynx on autopsy. Histologically, the mass was composed of primitive cells that multifocally formed tubules and glomeruloid structures intermingled with areas of fusiform and blastemal cells. The neoplastic cells were positive for cytokeratin (tubular and glomeruloid cells), vimentin (fusiform population and blastemal cells), and Wilms tumor 1 protein (glomeruloid structures) on immunohistochemistry, consistent with a triphasic nephroblastoma. To our knowledge, nasopharyngeal nephroblastoma has not been reported previously in any species.

Abdominal Imaging in Small Ruminants: Liver, Spleen, Gastrointestinal Tract, and Lymph Nodes.

Ultrasonography and radiography are the most frequently used imaging techniques to evaluate abdominal pathology in domestic animals. Ultrasonography can often achieve a diagnosis in small ruminants, with ease of use and virtually no contraindications. Radiography also provides a relatively comprehensive overview, but reduced penetration of the abdomen in larger animals and summation of abdominal organs can limit its diagnostic value. Computed tomography is a newer imaging modality that provides summation-free imaging but can have limited availability and financial restrictions.