Case#1-11/2/06

History:
A native goat (Capra hircus) named Hellboy, male, 6-12 mons old, 11.3 kg, no vaccination and deworming program, had abomasopexy, dehorning, left lateral epidydectomy and penile translocation surgical procedures is observed to have notable weight loss, lethargy, loss of appetite and dark-colored diarrhea for almost a week. The goat has had the left lateral epidydectomy and penile translocation for almost 1 month. The goat has been kept outdoors, leashed and on pastures and has been subjected to sporadic rain showers

Signs & Symptoms:
weight loss, loss of appetite, lethargy, dark-colored diarrhea

Physical Exam:
rectal temp (38.4^oC); heart rate (136 beats/min); respiratory rate (30 breaths/min); no notable nasal, ocular or aural discharges. There are no signs of moderate to severe dehydration and absence of pain on abdominal palpation.



Clinical Findings:
Larval eggs of Haemonchus contortus and Strongyloides papillosus were present on DFS (direct fecal smear).



Discussion:
On physical exam there has been no observable signs of post-surgical infection, physiologic values were all normal. Parasite infestation of Barber's pole or Wireworm (Haemonchus contortus) in the abomasum and chronic infection of Threadworm (Strongyloides papillosus) in the small intestine causes dark-colored diarrhea, anaemia, loss of weight, emaciation, loss of appetite, unthriftiness, weakness and death. The worms cause hemorrhage in the abomasum (Wireworm) by sucking blood.

Recommendations:
The animal was given Ivomec^TM (Ivermectin, 0.2 mg/kg b.w. SC) and Belamyl^TM (Vit. B-complex, 1mL IM; 2x/week), signs of activity, appetite and weight gain should be observed. Ad libitum supply of water with electrolytes (salt) should be given and animal should be kept on shaded areas to avoid undue stress. Supplementary iron tablets are recommended and blood exam (PCV) should be done to assess condition of anaemia. Animal should also be weighed at least 1x/week to monitor progressive weight loss or weight gain.

Follow Up:
Animal died on 11/5/06, last two days animal showed severe lethargy, hypothermia and signs of anaemia on inspection of mucous membrane of the mouth, animal had increased appetite and bowel movement improved to formed stool. Necropsy showed hydroperitoneum, and odorous, watery fecal matter in the colon. Fecalysis was done and there was presence of larval eggs (Haemonchus contortus and Strongyloides papillosus) Chyme was present in the rumen and the liver, gall bladder, kidneys, lungs and heart were all apparently normal.

Result:
Animal died due to severe anaemia caused by parasite infection which led to cardiac arrest.