Goat with hip dislocation treated by closed reduction and physio

Abstract

Hip luxations have been reported in many ruminants, and several treatments have been described for them. However, successful closed reduction of hip joint luxation has not been reported in goats to date. This case report describes the closed reduction of coxofemoral luxation in a three-month-old male Saanen dairy goat. The goat showed non-weightbearing lameness and abnormal mobility of the proximal right hindlimb. Luxation of the right coxofemoral joint in craniodorsal direction was diagnosed by radiography. The femoral head was repositioned under sedation, and physiotherapy including non-weightbearing hindlimb movement and supported walking exercise was performed. Fifteen days after closed reduction the animal was discharged from the clinic. At that time the animal was sound at a slow walk but lameness was still present at faster gaits. Follow-up examinations revealed normal development of the animal, which subsequently showed no lameness and served successfully as a breeding goat.