First report of avascular necrosis of the femoral head in a goat (Capra aegagrus hircus) in Peru

Abstract

It is reported the case of a 7-month-old male goat of alpine race, who presented claudication of the right hind limb without definite cause. Clinical and radiographic examinations were performed, suggesting traumatic dislocation or avascular necrosis of the femoral head with consequent degenerative joint disease. It was performed a surgical treatment by an arthroplasty by excision of the head and neck of femur. The histopathological study by staining hematoxylin and eosin described: necrotic bone, lacunae containing necrotic osteocytes, as well as necrotic bone marrow. This information proved the diagnosis of avascular necrosis of the femoral head and neck. In the post-surgical period, the clinical recovery of the patient was considered good, the pain was mitigated and the function of the affected limb was improved. The present case is the first report of this disease in goats in Peru.