Coenuriasis in Bengal goats of Bangladesh

Abstract

Clinical findings and treatment of cerebral coenuriasis were studied in 52 Black Bengal goats. Bladder worms were found to be superficially located in three sites: the right and left cerebral hemispheres and the median fissure. Major clinical signs included dullness, circling, torticollis, loss of appetite, frequent bleating, pain response on pressure over the cystic area and sometimes unilateral partial blindness. Lateral recumbency was observed in a few cases. In most of the goats, the bones over the cysts were rarefied and yielded on digital pressure. One to three cysts (diameter 1.0–3.7 cm) were recovered from individual goats. Surgical removal of the cysts was successful in most cases. Clinical findings and therapy of intermuscular and subcutaneous forms of coenuriasis were described in 46 Black Bengal goats. Cysts were detected through palpation and careful inspection of the skin. Cysts were located on the trunk, neck and ear base. One to eight cysts with a diameter of 2–8 cm ( X ̄ = 4.2 ± 1.4 SD ) were found in individual goats. The animals with firm muscular swellings of the loin and neck caused by one to two large cysts showed some incoordination, torticollis and rigidity of the neck and infrequent head shaking. Response to all treatment techniques was satisfactory. Cerebral coenuriasis is usually fatal unless surgical relief is provided.