Test Case Tuesday: Gaunt Gagging Goats (Case 4)

 

Picture of Professor Pocky taken by Dr. Haus

Click For Explanation of Case Flow

 

Signalment:

Pleasant View Farms is a 40-alpine goat dairy farm in rural Pennsylvania

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History:

The Pleasant View Farms producer calls you to report that his herd of goats are showing signs of coughing and increased respiratory (breathing) rates.  

The farmer says the most affected goats are the younger goats that were put on pasture for the first time at the beginning of this season (about 3-4 months ago).  The younger goats are not eating well and are in poor body condition.  One or two goats are holding their necks out straight, open mouth breathing, and are drooling.  The farmer wants you to come out to help find out what is occurring in his herd.​

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Physical Exam Findings:

 

When you arrive at the  farm you start your exam by observing the farm and the animals from a distance in order to gather as much information as possible.  

 

You notice that the younger animals have body condition scores (BCS) of 2/5 while the older animals have BCS of 3-4/5.  Sex of the goat does not appear to impact presence of clinical signs.  

 

The affected goats are coughing and there is mucopurulent nasal discharge noted.  You do a physical exam on the 3 most affected animals and find the following:​

 

Respiratory:  

Increased lung sounds noted in all lung fields, most prominent at the bronchial bifurcation.  The goats are struggling to move air in and out of their lungs 🫁

 

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🛑STOP and brainstorm what diagnostic tests you would like to perform on the goats 🛑

 

 

Diagnostic Testing Results:

 

Radiographs (X-Rays):

Signs of inflammation in the bronchioles of the lungs

 

CBC:

Increased eosinophils

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Day 1 Conclusion

Before Thoughtful Thursday think about your...

📋 Differentials List

🧪 Further Diagnostic Testing

📚 Review Material Related to the goats' case (i.e. specific diseases of interest, eosinophils, causes of cough in goats, types of respiratory disease, respiratory anatomy, personal interests, confusing points, etc.)

 

Thoughtful Thursday:  Gaunt Gagging Goats (link will go live Thursday, 11/09/2023)