F04 - Clinical Findings and Outcome of Goats Diagnosed with Discospondylitis and Vertebral Osteomyelitis on Computed Tomography

Abstract:

Background: Vertebral infections, including vertebral osteomyelitis, septic physitis, and discospondylitis, are rarely reported in goats, and when reported, have been largely limited to post-mortem case reports. The clinical outcome of these patients has not previously been reported.

Objective: To describe the clinical findings and outcome of goats diagnosed with vertebral infections via computed tomography.Animals: Five goats diagnosed with vertebral osteomyelitis, septic physitis, and discospondylitis via computed tomography.

Methods: Retrospective case series.

Results: The most common presenting complaints were progressive weakness, paresis and recumbency. Three goats were tetraparetic and two goats demonstrated pelvic limb paraparesis. Clinicopathologic findings included leukocytosis, mature neutrophilia, and hyperfibrinogenemia. The most common vertebrae affected were C7-T1. All five goats had discospondylitis with or without vertebral osteomyelitis and septic physitis. CT evidence of spinal cord compression was appreciated in 4/5 goats. Medical management (antimicrobials, physical therapy, analgesia, supportive care) was attempted in 4 goats, while one goat was euthanized at the time of diagnosis. All four goats that were treated regained ambulatory ability and survived to hospital discharge.Conclusions and clinical importance: Despite severity of CT imaging findings, goats with discospondylitis, septic physitis, and vertebral osteomyelitis can successfully return to ambulatory function. Further studies are required to determine ideal treatment regimens.