Spastic paresis and rectal/vaginal prolapse in Dutch dairy goats

Abstract

The problem of bilateral spastic paresis posterior and prolapses vaginae and/or recti is not uncommon in the Dutch dairy goat industry. From time to time, goats are seen with the characteristic symptoms. Steep positioning, caudal stretching and crossing of the hind legs are, together with tilting of the pelvis, arching of the (lower) back and a reduced muscularization of the hindquarters, the main symptoms in goats with spastic paresis. Rectal and/or vaginal prolapse is sometimes seen in addition to the symptoms of spastic paresis in the same animal. In this investigation, surveys directed at dairy goat farmers as well as at veterinarians and feed advisors in the Netherlands on general information and issues (at dairy goat farms) and more specific on the problems with spastic paresis and prolapses have been conducted. Furthermore some farms have been visited, whereby blood have been taken from affected (case) and unaffected (control) goats. Post-mortem examination of two affected animals has been performed. The survey returned a high percentage of case farms, so it seems to be an underestimated problem in the Dutch dairy goat husbandry. Blood analysis showed (significant) abnormal values of phosphorus, CTx, CPK, GSH-Px and osteocalcine. Pathological examination provided slight signs of inflammation in cerebrum and spinal cord and little alterations in the muscles of the hindquarters. Disorders with similar symptoms are mentioned in literature, but those show similarities as well as differences. Further investigation is necessary for specific determination of the cause of this problem.