Clinical, haematological and biochemical findings in Saanen goat kids with naturally occurring heat stroke

Abstract

Objective: Description of clinical, biochemical and haematological changes in Saanen goat kids post-exposure to a naturally occurring heatstroke. Material and methods:The experimental group consisted of goats of different age (1-4 months) and sex (8 males, 12 females) with an average weight of 7.2 +/- 3.1 kg. Twenty clinically healthy, three to four months old, Saanen goat kids (sex-ratio 1:1) were used as a control. The average body weight in this group was 9.4 +/- 2.6 kg. Case history, clinical signs, and results of haematology and blood biochemistry were documented in all goat kids. Results: Most common findings were hyperthermia, ataxia, muscle tremor and depression. Increased serum urea, creatinine, potassium and plasma lactate concentrations as well as an increase in aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase activity were observed in goats post-exposure to heat stroke when compared to the control group. Two goat kids died despite supportive treatment. Physical and biochemical blood parameters improved following treatment. Conclusion: This is the first study on heat stroke in Saanen goat kids. Heatstroke may be fatal in Saanen goat kids, despite appropriate treatment, and may lead to secondary complications. Plasma lactate concentration seems to be a reliable indicator for the prognosis of heat stroke in goat kids.