Archive Case #26: Caprine Polioencephalomalacia

Clinical Clues

1. A young goat is examined for sudden onset blindness and disorientation.
2. The owner reports the kid has been wandering aimlessly and appears unable to find feed.
3. On examination the goat is dull and intermittently opisthotonic.
4. Menace response is absent, but pupillary light reflexes are preserved.
5. Response to thiamine therapy is strongly supportive of the diagnosis.
6. A metabolic or nutritional disorder causing cerebrocortical necrosis commonly produces cortical blindness and dorsomedial strabismus in small ruminants.

Diagnosis

Caprine Polioencephalomalacia

This case is most consistent with Caprine Polioencephalomalacia because the goat has acute cortical blindness, neurologic dysfunction, and a supportive response to thiamine treatment. The most important clues are the absent menace with intact pupillary reflexes and the classic forebrain signs, which make ocular disease much less likely.

Educational Use

Vetdle archive cases are educational veterinary games for diagnostic reasoning practice. They do not provide veterinary advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional medical guidance.