Clinical presentation, diagnostics, treatment, and outcome of goats diagnosed with presumptive cerebrospinal nematodiasis at a veterinary teaching hospital

Abstract

This retrospective study describes clinical presentation, diagnostic approach, treatment, and outcome for goats with presumptive cerebrospinal nematodiasis. A presumptive diagnosis was made based on neurologic signs, results of cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and response to treatment. Six goats were identified that met inclusion criteria. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed eosinophilic pleocytosis (total nucleated cell count: 12 to 430/μL, 33 to 89% eosinophils). All 6 goats were treated with fenbendazole and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs ± corticosteroids) and 4 received physical rehabilitation therapy. At discharge or follow-up, all 6 goats were ambulatory and had minimal neurologic deficits. Key clinical message: In goats, cerebrospinal nematodiasis caused by Parelaphostrongylus tenuis is often a presumptive diagnosis based on neurologic signs, shared habitat with white-tailed deer, eosinophilic pleocytosis, and response to anthelmintic therapy. Presumptive cases in goats have many similarities to confirmed cases in camelids. Further study is indicated to characterize the clinical signs and optimize the diagnosis and treatment of goats infected with P. tenuis.

Figure 1

Cytocentrifuge preparation of lumbosacral cerebrospinal fluid from a goat with eosinophilic pleocytosis (total nucleated cell count: 58/μL, RBC: 752/μL, 59% eosinophils). The exploded box presents a magnified view of 4 eosinophils from the field of view. Wright stain, scale bar = 20 μm.

Figure 2

A, B — Photographs of sling carts used for a physical therapy regimen for 1 goat. The goat was slung in the cart multiple times per day to prevent muscle atrophy and promote growth of muscle mass.