Veterinary Services

The carcass of a six-year-old, neutered male, Angolan-cross goat was submitted for post mortem examination.  Examination of blood samples had revealed only dehydration with no evidence of anaemia, inflammation, hepatic or renal disease.  The animal had become anorexic 5 or 6 weeks previously, developed a distended abdomen and was reported to drop food from its mouth.  It subsequently became lame and was euthanased on welfare grounds.  At necropsy small fat reserves were still evident.  The oesophagus was dilated and flabby and ruminal content flowed freely from the mouth when the carcase was moved, agonal aspiration of this material had occurred.  The rumen was distended by fluid content and the abomasum by dry content but there was no physical obstruction to outflow.  Small intestinal content was fluid and the rectum contained formed faecal pellets.  There was acute damage to the tendons of the right hind leg with haemorrhage and oedema. Histopathological examination of the brain and a full range of viscera failed to reveal any significant abnormality. Following discussions with the practitioner a diagnosis of botulism was proposed.  This explained the history, gross findings and lack of histopathology.