Lumbar Spinal Cord Injury in a Goat: A Case Report
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Abstract
A 7-month-old male native breed goat, weighing 30.8 kg, was presented to the Large Animal Teaching Hospital at Mahanakorn University of Technology, with 1 to 2 days of history of hind limb weakness and inability to walk. Neurological examination revealed paraparesis, but deep pain perception was still present. The condition was classified as Grade 3a according to the Modified Frankel Score (MFS). Diagnostic radiographs revealed a vertebral luxation at the L2–L3 lumbar vertebrae. The treatment plan focused on supportive care and neurological rehabilitation. Initially, corticosteroids (dexamethasone) were administered, followed by NSAIDs (meloxicam), a neuropathic pain medication (gabapentin), vitamin B1, and antibiotics (ceftriaxone) to control infection. To promote neurological recovery, electroacupuncture was performed in combination with physiotherapy. After 5 weeks of treatment, the goat showed improved neurological responses, was able to stand, and began using its hind limbs. This case report highlights that supportive pharmacological therapy combined with alternative treatments such as electroacupuncture and physiotherapy can be an effective approach for spinal cord injury rehabilitation, especially in cases where particularly when surgical intervention is limited.
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References
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