Vertebral Subluxation Repair in a Pet Goat

To describe the perioperative management, including surgery, anesthesia, metabolic derangements, and physiotherapy, in a goat referred for paraparesis secondary to a road traffic accident.

Case report.

2-year-old mixed breed dwarf 44 kg female pet goat.

Clinical examination showed symptoms of early compensatory stages of shock, paraparesis with hyperextension of the thoracic limbs, pain on palpation of the thoracolumbar spine, increased patellar reflexes of both pelvic limbs without superficial sensitivity, but preserved deep pain sensation. These signs suggested a spinal cord injury with upper motor neuron syndrome and an anatomic localization between the third thoracic and third lumbar vertebrae. Radiographic examination revealed a thoracolumbar vertebral subluxation. Vertebral stabilization was achieved with the application of pins in the vertebral bodies stabilized by an interconnecting bridge of polymethylmethacrylate, a technique commonly adopted in companion animals.

Surgery and recovery from anesthesia were uneventful, but 3 days later ruminal atony and subsequent bloating occurred. This was associated with metabolic derangements (metabolic alkalosis), decreased mentation, and marked tachypnea that responded to medical treatment. From day 3 post-surgery, the goat underwent physiotherapy with manual and active exercises during the rehabilitation period of 21 days duration.

The injury in this goat was successfully managed using vertebral stabilization similar to that used in dogs and cats. Extensive postoperative physiotherapeutic support contributed to the complete recovery of the animal.