Harry - 18 m.o. male Pygmy Goat - Chronic Lameness

First seen on 26^th February 2007 with intractable and painful lameness (holding up the left fore leg and not weight-bearing) and a chronic ‘skin problem’.

History: This was a long-term problem, for which specialist referral to a veterinary school took place in March 2006.

Harry had been given occasional Metacam injections up to October 2006.

No diagnosis reached - no relief obtained - no change achieved during that period.

He also started skin problems, in about October 2005 - scratching, biting, sores over back, scaly hairless lesions around eyes and muzzle. It has become worse, over the intervening period.

The veterinary school found only 'hyperkeratosis', with no cause identified.

The local veterinary surgeon recommended euthanasia.

Treatment & Progress:

At the first consultation (26th February 2007), chiropractic manipulation (especially lower neck and pelvis) and LASER treatment were performed. Prescribed homeopathic Psorinum.

He was seen again, at various intervals, for further hands-on work. He responded to treatment, with both problems, despite some ups and downs in the lameness between visits. Especially noticeable was early improvement in well-being and activity levels.

Eventual prescription: homeopathic Phosphorus and Nux vomica.

Report 21^st May 2007 – doing very well – and skin is fantastic.

He has been seen since and needs occasional treatment for the lameness, with further neck manipulation. The skin started to relapse in June 2007 but appears to be coming under control again.

It would appear that Harry's lameness stemmed from a lower neck lesion that had evaded diagnosis. It is not uncommon, in dogs, horses, cats and others, to find the origin of fore limb lameness in the nerves of the brachial plexus, where they are prone to injury by a chiropractic lesion of the lower neck. Such problems present a real challenge to manipulation but, happily, many respond well.