Archive Case #40: Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis

Clinical Clues

1. An adult dairy doe is examined for gradually worsening stiffness and reduced willingness to walk long distances.
2. The owner reports both carpal joints have become visibly enlarged over several months.
3. The goat remains bright but moves with a shortened painful stride.
4. Palpation identifies firm bilateral carpal distension without an open wound or marked heat.
5. Serology is positive for a lentiviral infection associated with chronic arthritis in goats.
6. A contagious viral disease of goats commonly causes progressive synovitis and lameness in adults.

Diagnosis

Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis

This case is most consistent with Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis because the doe has chronic bilateral carpal enlargement and progressive lameness with supportive serology. The most important clues are the symmetrical joint involvement and slow course, which make traumatic or septic arthritis 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.