Brachyspina syndrome a cause of dystocia in a Beetal goat: a case report from Pakistan

Pakistan has the third-largest goat population with approximately 84.7 million. To ensure profitable production, it is crucial to prioritize the soundness of the reproductive system. Dystocia can affect the reproductive health status which leads to compromised future fertility of goats. Dystocia may occur due to various factors such as, maternal expulsive forces, fetomaternal disproportion, abnormal presentation, position, posture and congenital abnormalities. These abnormalities caused by genetic and environmental factors account for different goat diseases. These include variety of malformations that can occur in any breed but are more prevalent in certain goat breeds such as the Beetal goat. This novel case of congenital abnormality (brachyspina syndrome) was reported in Beetal goat of Pakistan. A 3.5 year old pregnant doe was presented with prolonged straining and failure to deliver fetus for 12 hours. Physically, the dam was alert and well-hydrated. The doe had 103°F temperature, respiratory rate and pulse rate was 22 and 80 per minute, respectively. Vaginal examination revealed that the cervix was dilated, the fetus was dead and in posterior longitudinal presentation, lumbo-sacral position with three limbs in the birth canal including two hind limbs and one forelimb. The fetus was delivered successfully by manual traction. The congenital abnormalities in the fetus noted were brachyspina, long thin legs, and brachygnathism indicating brachyspina syndrome. The doe recovered uneventfully after post-traction. This case report highlights the importance of the underlying cause of congenital abnormalities in goats with unknown etiology.