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Foetal membranes are said to be retained when they fail to be expelled within 3-4 hours after parturition. Retained foetal membranes are often complicated by septic metritis and toxaemia within 2-3 days postpartum if not promptly treated. In this case report, a 4 year old female Jamnapuri goat weighing 60kg was presented to the large animal clinic of the Universiti Veterinary hospital, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) with the complaint of difficulty in breathing, coughing, in appetence, dehydration and recumbency a few days after kidding. Following physical examination, haematological and biochemical analysis, a tentative diagnosis of septicemia with concomitant diarrhoea was made. The initial treatment instituted was aimed at stabilizing the patient through intravenous fluid (IVF), non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) and antibiotics therapies. Unfortunately the doe died and necropsy examination revealed a pneumonic lung, mastitis, pin point ecchymotic haemorrhages on the abomasal mucosa with moderately pale and mottled liver and pieces of macerated placenta in an inflamed uterus. The cause of death was fulminant septicemia arising from the retained foetal membranes, with complications of pneumonia, enteritis and mastitis. Prompt implementation of herd health program is paramount in reducing mortalities in goat farms.

A pregnant Jamnapari doe was presented with primary complaint of inappetance and recumbency for a week. The most prominent abnormality during physical examination was weakness in both hind limbs typified by difficulty in standing. Ultrasonography revealed that the doe were carrying three viable foetuses that were about 4-months old. Hemato-biochemistry findings showed hypocalcaemia (1.98mmol/L) and hypoglycaemia (2.2mmol/L). Besides that, ketone bodies were also detected from the urine (3+ or 8mmol/L). The doe was treated vigorously for pregnancy toxaemia with 1L of Glucose 20% (G-20) and 5L of 0.9% NaCl, administered intravenously BID for 3 days as glucose replacement and rehydration respectively. 30mL of propylene glycol was also given orally BID for 7 days as glucose precursor. Flunixin meglumine 2.2mg/kg was administered intramuscularly SID for 3 days as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory. In addition, 20mL of theracalcium was given intramuscularly SID for two days and 5mL of Catosal® was given intramuscularly SID for 6 days for calcium supplement and to stimulate body metabolism respectively. One vial (2ml) of methylcobalt was administered intramuscularly SID for 3 days as a nerve supplement and physiotherapy was performed after caesarean section for 10 minutes TID for 6 days in order to increase blood circulation and prevent muscle atrophy. However, the does’ condition started to deteriorate on Day 7 and caesarean was performed on the same day where three foetuses were saved. The doe’s condition improved tremendously and was discharged after a week of caesarean section. This clinical case reports the clinical management of pregnancy toxaemia in a goat, which is a common problem in small holder farms in Malaysia.

Milk fever is a condition where the animal’s body fails to maintain the calcium homeostasis following an upsurge demand of calcium during gestation or lactation. This case reports the clinical management of suspected stage II milk fever with retained placenta in a Friesian cow after parturition of twin calves. A four-year-old Friesian cow weighing 400kg was presented with primary complaint of weakness and inability to stand a day after parturition of two calves. Physical examination revealed that the cow was on sternal recumbency and unable to stand, while the placenta was seen hanging from the vulva region. All vital parameters were normal but the cow was having a weak cardiac rythm. The differential diagnoses at this point of time were milk fever, downers’ cow syndrome and hypophosphatemia. The cow was diagnosed with suspected milk fever based on the history of parturition of two calves and thus leading to hypocalcaemia. The cow was treated with flunixin meglumine 1.1mg/kg once intravenously as anti-inflammatory, anti-pyrexic and analgesic. Then, 500mL of calcium borogluconate (23%) was administered intravenously slowly at the rate of 1drop/second as a source of calcium. The cow responded well to treatment after 10 minutes of administration. In addition, 0.9% normal saline was lavaged into the uterus to irrigate the retained placenta. Subsequently, 20mL of oxytetracycline (20mg/kg) was infused into the uterine body as the final lavage. Finally, broad spectrum long acting oxytetracycline (20mg/kg) antibiotic was given once intramuscularly to prevent secondary bacterial infections. Therapeutic treatment to restore the calcium level in the blood should be the main focus during the management of milk fever.

This case report describes the clinical management of a severe gangrenous mastitis in a 35 kg adult doe. The doe was presented to the Universiti Putra Malaysia Veterinary hospital with a complaint of lack of milk production four days after kidding. Clinical examination revealed anorexia, increased body temperature, pulse rate and response to pain upon palpation of the udder. There was exudation of blood-tinged foul smelling exudates when the mammary gland was expressed. Clinical laboratory findings revealed the presence of anemia, neutrophilia with a left shift and monocytosis. Serum biochemistry showed hypophosphatemia, hypocalcaemia, hypocreatinemia, hyperuricemia and hyperproteinemia. The doe was administered with Benacillin (1 ml/25 kg) intramuscularly 3/7, flunixin meglumine (2.2 mg/kg) intravenously 7/7, 23% calcium borogluconate (15 ml) subcutaneously and oxytetracycline (20 mg/kg) once intramuscularly. Medical management of this case was not successful and bilateral mastectomy was opted and performed. the doe recovered as was discharged. To prevent mastectomy due to gangrenous mastitis, early intervention is critical and paramount.

A 4 years old Jamnapari cross buck weighing 50 kg was presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Universiti Putra Malaysia, with a primary complaint of dry crusty and alopecic skin lesions on the ventral neck, thoracic, abdominal, scrotal, perianal, and interdigital regions. The animal was physically sound with normal appetite and was managed intensively for breeding purposes. Hematological analysis showed a marked leucocytosis characterized by eosinophilia and netrophilia with degenerative left shift. Skin scrappings taken showed no ectoparasites and the vital parameters were within the normal range. Other systems appeared normal except the integumentary system which showed crusty and alopecic skin lesions on different parts of the body. The case was first tentatively diagnosed as dermatitis and effectively managed following a gradual change of feed and the administration of a single intradermal injection of 50 mg (10 mg/kg) chlorpheniramine maleate, 50 mg of long acting oxytetracycline hydroxide (20 mg/kg, I.M) repeated four days later and multivitamin injection, 10 mg/kg for five days. This report highlights the significance of atopic dermatitis among goats and the need for its early and effective management in breeder farms and to provide a simple systematic approach for veterinarians and animal scientists in diagnosing and managing the condition.

Good herd health management is a practice aimed to prevent the development and spread of diseases and reduce economic losses in farms. There is paucity of information with regards to farmers’ compliance on proper Herd Health Program (HHP) practiced by small ruminant farms in Malaysia. This survey was conducted to study farmers’ compliance on HHP practiced using selected goat farms (n=6) under the Ladang Angkat Program, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, UPM. A structured questionnaire was developed based on the Skim Amalan Ladang Ternakan (SALT) by the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) of Malaysia. The scores were given in percentages according to the farmers’ knowledge and practice on every component of the HHP. All the farms surveyed were managed under intensive system mainly for meat production. Most farmers (83.3%) were aware of the existence of the herd health program. Farmers (n=6) scored 56±7% for overall HHP practice with maximum score on waste management (75%), followed by environmental management (73%), parasite control program (70%), biosecurity (67%), feeding management (59%), drug management (59%), disease monitoring program (54%), reproductive management (48%) and the least compliance was for vaccination program (40%). None of the farmers practiced the vaccination program in their farms. However, all farmers were willing to invest money for herd health program that guarantee long term profitability in the future. In conclusion, more attention and exposure need to be given on the HHP components that are less complied with by the farmers without neglecting the other components for future development of improved herd health programs.

An intensively managed five days old female Friesian cross breed calf weighing approximately 30kg was presented to the University Veterinary Hospital, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). The complaint was that the calf had swollen navel and joints and had not been able to stand up properly and frequently fell down. But the calf was alert and the appetite was normal at the time of presentation. On physical examination, body condition score was 2.5 out of 5 and and temperature was 39.3 °C (slight pyrexia), pulse and respiratory rates were within the normal range. The navel was swollen with dark necrotic tissues within the navel opening with presence of foul smelling odour. Both the carpal joints of the forelimbs and the hock joints of the hind limbs were swollen. Arthrocentesis and Jugular venipuncture were performed to collect samples for synovial fluid cytology, haematology and blood chemistry. Based on the history, physical examination and laboratory findings, the calf was diagnosed to have navel ill with associated joint ill. Treatment was performed by umbilical debridement and cleaning of necrotic tissues and debris with subsequent application of povidone of iodine. Flunixin meglumine, 1.1 mg/kg, 0.7 mL, was given intramuscularly, twice daily for 3 days as analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic agent. A combination of penicillin and dihydrostreptomycin (1.2mL) at a dosage of 1 mL/25 kg body weight was administered intramuscularly, once daily for 5 days. Remarkable progressive improvement was observed 3 days after commencement of treatment. The umbilical care by debridement of necrotic tissues and debris and topical antisepsis, coupled with systemic antibiotic therapy using combination of penicillin and dihydrostreptomycin was effective in the treatment of navel ill and/or joint ill.

Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis is the causative agent of caseous lymphadenitis (CLA), a common disease in small ruminant populations across the globe. The following report describes two cases of a 3 year old Boer cross does showing large mass beneath the jaw, on the ventral side of the mandible with strong pain reaction to touch of the affected region. The consistency of the mass was non–movable, solid and hard on deep palpation. The mass was lanced and purulent discharges were evacuated. Phenotypic and biochemical identification methods allocated the isolates in C. pseudotuberculosis biovar ovis. The vast majority of the isolates was able to produce phospholipase D and was susceptible to most of the antimicrobial compounds tested. Furthermore, the isolates were compared with C. pseudotuberculosis isolated from other states with different geographical locations and showed high similarity index, suggesting the prevalence of dominant clones and a potential dissemination across the country.

This case report describes a case of suspected omphalitis in a female two-week-old Katjang cross kid. The kid was weak and on lateral recumbency. It had hypothermia, bradycardia and shallow breathing with thumping sound at the end or expiration. The kid died and post-mortem examination revealed multiple hepatic abscesses, fibrin attachment between the liver and the diaphragm, cloudy yellow fluid in the peritoneal cavity and severe generalized congestion of the small intestine. The findings suggest the kid had died of a septic shock.

Pneumonic pasteurellosis caused by Mannhaemia haemolytica (M. haemolytica) is a common disease with high prevalence in sheep and goats. This clinical case reports the occurrence of pneumonic pasteurellosis in two of Boer-crossed kids. Two Boer-crossed kids age 1-week old, were presented with complain of in appetence and weakness. The farm had previous history of sudden death among the kids. Clinical examination findings revealed that the kids were having harsh lung sound with present of bilateral serous nasal discharges. Nasal swabs and fecal samples were collected as diagnostic work-ups and both kids were diagnosed with pasteurellosis. The kids were treated with dextrose fluid, penicillin-streptomycin antibiotic and flunixin meglumine non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. After third day of hospitalization, both kids showed positive response to the treatments. The prognosis of this case was good where accurate and prompt treatment were able to resolve the case.

The effect of clinical mastitis (unilateral, n=10 and bilateral, n=90) on the morphometry of mammary glands of Sahel goats was evaluated in comparison with those of apparently normal glands (n=20). The mammary glands were examined at slaughter and glandular measurements such as; glandular weight (GW), glandular mid circumference (GMC), glandular longitudinal length (GLL) and glandular teat lengths (GTL) were measured using a measuring tape. Tissue samples of the mammary gland were collected preserved in 10% buffered formalin, processed, embedded, section and stained with H&E and observed under light microscope at various magnifications for presence of pathological lesions. The mean GW was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in normal glands relative to the unilateral and bilateral mastitis. Mean GLL was significantly higher (p

A three year old cross breed Brahman bull weighing 450kg was presented to the large animal unit of Universiti Putra Malaysia Veterinary Hospital with swollen and protruding penis. Physical examination of the penis revealed an inflamed glans penis (balanitis). The condition was effectively managed with the administration of anti-inflammatory agent and antibiotic until complete healing ensured. Therefore, it is pertinent that prompt and timely intervention of such condition is important in order to avoid prolonged prolapse of the glans penis, which will result in excessive swelling, ischemia, necrosis and permanent fibrous adhesions of the penis to the prepuce.

Retained placenta is one of the complications associated with parturition in dairy cows. A 4- year old Friesian-kedah cross cow weighing 400kg was presented to the large animal unit University Veterinary Hospital, Universiti Putra Malaysia, with the complain of retained placenta 9 days prior to presentation. Clinical findings were pyrexia, congested mucous membranes and serosanguineous discharge with fetid odour from the vulva. Haematology and biochemistry findings showed an increase in packed cell volume, monocytosis, hyperglobulinaemia, hyperproteinemia, hypernatremia, hyperchloridaemia and increased level of creatine kinase. Bacterial culture from the swab samples of the vaginal discharge revealed growth of Escherichia coli. The retained placenta was manually removed by gentle traction and the uterus was lavaged using normal saline (0.9% NaCl) followed by an intrauterine infusion of Oxytetracycline hydrochloride L.A (20mg/kg). Systemic intramuscular injections of Oxytetracycline hydrochloride (20mg/kg Stat), Flunixine meglumine (1.1mg/kg) and multivitamin (10mg/kg) were administered. The prognosis was good after a follow up visit one week later. Retention of placenta following parturition is usually associated with bacterial pathogens. Therefore, prompt intervention in cases exceeding 24 hours post partum is important in order to avert the incidence of uterine infections that will threaten heard fertility.

A poultry farmer reported a case of abnormal growth among 17 to 25 days old broilers chicks in his farm to the poultry Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Malaysia Kelantan. The housing system was a modified closed type with a total of 130,000; 10,000 birds per house. The clinical signs observed were damp feathers which are poorly developed, stunted growth, watery droppings containing undigested feeds and unequal sizes of chicks. Post mortem examination was conducted on thirty culled chicks and the gross lesions observed were; corrugated intestines (83.3%) with some being thin and translucent with poorly digested feed within the lumen, atrophied pancreas (70.0%) and liver (66.7%), slightly atrophied thymus (33.3%), dilated proventriculus (50.3%) and enlarged gall bladder (43.3%). Histopathological evaluation of the intestine and pancreas showed lesions such a cystic dilation and degeneration of intestinal crypts, degeneration of the pancreas with vacuolation in the paranchyma and atrophy of the acinar cells. Based on the clinical signs observed, post mortem lesions and the histopathological findings, the case was diagnosed as Runting Stunting Syndrome (RSS). There is no treatment for this syndrome and it can only be prevented through good management practices