Diagnosis and Surgical Management of Gid in Nondescript Goat

Coenurosis, also known as coenuruses, gid or sturdy, is a parasitic infection that developsin the intermediate hosts of some tapeworm species (Taenia multiceps, T. brauni, or T. glomerata). Coenurus cerebralisis the larval form of Taenia multiceps which is seen in the small intestines of carnivores. It is caused by the coenurus, the larval stage of these tapeworms. Infection occurs as a result of the oral intake of eggs spreading via fecal dumps of those animals by intermediate hosts. The disease occurs mainly in sheep, goat and other ungulates, but it may occur in humans by accidental ingestion of tapeworm eggs. Adult worms of these species develop in the small intestine of the definitive hosts (dogs, foxes and other canids), causing a disease from the group of taeniasis.  Total 10 nondescript breed of goat were presented to the clinic of Bihar Veterinary College, Patna, Bihar (India) with the history of anorexia, bleating, ataxia, seizure, head pressing against the wall, circling movements, at times keeping the head upwards and walking in circle. Softening of skull bone at occipital region was seen. It was also diagnosed by the X-ray as radiolucent density above the occipital bone and a mild rarefaction was distinctly visible. Prior to reporting to the present clinic, it was treated with local veterinarian but no improvement was recorded. The case was tentatively diagnosed as of coenurosis and it was decided to remove the cysts surgically from subdural space after trephening the occipital bone. Goat was cast in lateral recumbency and site was prepared aseptically for surgical intervention. The exact site of cyst was the area between two horns. The goat was tranquilized with xylazine @ 0.1mg/kg body weight and anesthesia were obtained by local infiltration of 2% lignocaine hydrochloride solution at the central point of occipital region. A linear skin incision was made on the skin measuring 4-6 cm through fascia and periosteum at left side of occipital region. The bone and meninges were incised by a nick with scalpel blade and enlarged with scissors.