Goats diagnosed with neoplasia display variability in clinical presentations, treatments, and outcomes

Abstract

Abstract OBJECTIVE To describe clinical presentation, treatment, and short- and long-term outcomes of goats diagnosed with neoplasia. ANIMALS 46 goats with a definitive diagnosis of ≥ 1 neoplastic process admitted over a 15-year period. PROCEDURES Medical records for all goats admitted to the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital over a 15-year period were reviewed to identify animals diagnosed with neoplasia. Signalment, presenting complaint, duration of clinical signs, diagnostic testing, treatment, and short-term outcomes were recorded. When available, long-term follow-up data were collected via email or telephone interview with owners. RESULTS 46 goats with 58 neoplasms were identified. The prevalence of neoplasia within the study population was 3.2%. The most commonly diagnosed neoplasms were squamous cell carcinoma, thymoma, and mammary carcinoma. The Saanen breed was the most common breed noted in the study population. Evidence of metastasis was found in 7% of the goats. Long-term follow-up was available in 5 goats with mammary neoplasia that underwent bilateral mastectomy. No evidence of mass regrowth or metastasis was noted in any of the goats 5 to 34 months postoperatively. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Goats are increasingly treated as companion rather than strictly production animals, making it important for veterinarians to provide more evidence-based and advanced clinical care. This study provided a clinical overview of presentation, treatment, and outcome for goats diagnosed with neoplasia and highlighted the challenges associated with the wide variety of neoplastic processes affecting goats.