Caprine Arthritis is a Hidden Sickness Requiring Early Detection and Management

Abstract

Caprine arthritis may lead to impair performance and reduce productivity. Physical and chemical examination of synovial fluid (SF), and isolation of microbes from the SF were carried out in this study. Clinically 5% goats showed signs of arthritis with enlarged joints, pain response, farmer, warmer and hairless skin over the joints. Volume of SF of inflamed joints of the arthritic goats were significantly (0.42±0.123 ml, p> 0.012) higher than the healthy animal (0.143±0.013 ml). The color of the SF of inflamed joints became brownish to reddish and cloudy in nature. Mucin clot test of SF revealed absent of reaction in 05% cases, whereas, strong ring was formed with healthy (95%) SF. The cellular infiltrations and densities of leukocytes in arthritic goats ranged from 2,200 to 75,400 cells/ml in contrast to 21 to 34 cells/ml in apparently healthy SF. Neutrophilia (55% to 80%) was seen in three arthritic SF and monocytosis (75% to 80%) in two cases. Two joints were infected with Staphylococci sp, one with E. coli and one with Aspergillous fungus. The cause of a arthritis could not identify in this study. This study provide evidence that 05% of goats were affected with arthritis. The cytology of synovial fluid, biochemical tests and cultural isolation techniques adapted in this study can be used to detect specific cause of arthritis whether at sub-clinical or clinical stage. Early detection of specific cause of arthritis in goat may provide accurate therapeutic option, alleviate pain and enable higher productivity of milk, meat or offspring.