Veterinary Services

A four-year-old Saanen doe was necropsied at the Ayr Centre after dying suddenly in late pregnancy. Examination revealed a uterine torsion, with a tear in the cervix and vagina through which the caecum had prolapsed.

The goat was in fat condition and it was suggested that the feeding regime employed on this farm should be re-examined.

An ill-thriven pygmy goat aged three years was found to be seropositive for paratuberculosis (Johne’s disease). The same animal had tested seronegative for Johne’s disease in September 2004 when ill-thrift was first noticed.

Serum albumin had been 29g/l in September 2004, but had fallen to 15g/l in February 2005 (ref. range: 29-38g/l). Faecal examination on both occasions did not reveal evidence of endoparasites.