Use of multiple imaging modalities to characterize cause of acute respiratory distress in a 7-year-old mixed-breed goat doe.

Abstract

Thymoma is a common neoplasm of goats; however, literature regarding the best imaging modalities for diagnosis is scarce. In this case, multiple modalities were used during antemortem examination to develop a working diagnosis of a mediastinal mass as the cause of acute respiratory distress in a doe. Computed tomography was subsequently used in conjunction with postmortem examination to fully characterize the mass and confirm metastatic thymoma. This case emphasized how important advanced imaging can be for diagnosis and guiding treatment decisions; furthermore, it highlighted that a combination of alternatives can be used in settings where cross-sectional imaging is not available or feasible. Key clinical message: This report highlights alternative imaging modalities, such as thoracic fluoroscopy, available to diagnose thoracic masses in goats when advanced imaging may not be available or feasible.