Clinical findings and outcome in goats with discospondylitis and vertebral osteomyelitis

Vertebral infections, including vertebral osteomyelitis, septic physitis, and discospondylitis, are rarely reported in goats, and when reported, have been largely limited to necropsy case reports.

Describe clinical findings and outcome in goats with vertebral infections evaluated by computed tomography (CT).

Five goats with vertebral osteomyelitis, septic physitis, and discospondylitis evaluated by CT.

Retrospective case series.

The most common presenting complaints were progressive weakness, paresis and recumbency. Three goats were tetraparetic and 2 goats had pelvic limb paraparesis. Clinicopathologic findings included leukocytosis, mature neutrophilia, and hyperfibrinogenemia. The most common vertebrae affected were C7-T1. All 5 goats had discospondylitis with or without vertebral osteomyelitis and septic physitis. Computed tomographic evidence of spinal cord compression was present in 4/5 goats. Medical management (antimicrobials, physical therapy, analgesia, supportive care) was attempted in 4 goats, and 1 goat was euthanized at the time of diagnosis. All 4 goats that were treated regained ambulatory ability and survived to hospital discharge.

Despite severity of CT imaging findings, goats with discospondylitis, septic physitis, and vertebral osteomyelitis can successfully return to ambulatory function. Additional studies are required to determine ideal treatment regimens.