Nutritional myopathy in goats

A nutritional myopathy in unweaned fibre goats aged 2 to 4 mths is described in 3 flocks from the tablelands of New South Wales. Clinically affected animals were illthrifty and in circulatory failure prior to being found dead. At necropsy, there was pronounced ascites, pulmonary congestion and marked mottling of the liver. Chalky white streaks and patches were obvious in the myocardium, particularly in the right ventricular wall. Skeletal muscles varied from grossly normal to generally pale. Histologically, the myocardium exhibited areas of severe acute myonecrosis with mineralisation and adjoining areas of phagocytosis and fibrosis. In 2 of 3 flocks, some skeletal muscles showed a mild subacute myopathy. Marked hepatic congestion extended to periacinar haemorrhage and necrosis in some areas. Dietary imbalances of selenium, vitamin E and polyunsatured fatty acids were probable factors in the pathogenesis of the condition.