Clinical manifestation and management of hypomagnesemia in Theileria spp. infected periparturient Malabari goats

Abstract

Background

Grass tetany or hypomagnesemia is a metabolic syndrome causing acute neurological manifestations in periparturient ruminants grazing on rapidly grown green pastures or cereal crops with high potassium or nitrogen content and low magnesium levels. Clinical reports of naturally occurring grass tetany in goats are least described in the literature and it is considered to be a rare disease. The present study documents the clinical manifestation and management of hypomagnesemia-associated excitatory neuropathy in two Theileria spp. infected Malabari goats presented to the small ruminant medicine OP unit of the University Veterinary Hospital and Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, Mannuthy, Thrissur, Kerala, India.

Methods

The first goat was in the last trimester of pregnancy and was showing signs of hyperesthesia, limping, difficulty in standing, and inappetence for the last six hours. The second goat was kidded six weeks back and was showing recurrent epileptic seizures and hyporexia from the previous day. Both the goats were kept on extensive grazing from the forest areas with unidentified lush vegetation. On clinical evaluation, both the goats were showing persistent excitatory neurological signs. Fecal examination, peripheral blood smear examination, PCR screening panel for hemoparasites, Complete Blood Count, and serum levels of calcium, magnesium, and glucose were evaluated.

Results

A significant reduction in serum magnesium levels was noted in both cases along with the varied glucose levels. Theileria spp. infection was noticed in blood smear examination and confirmed by PCR. The goats responded well to the therapy using MIFEX™ and other supportive medications and showed uneventful recovery.

Conclusion

It is suggested that the farmers should be vigilant enough while allowing goats to graze in unknown vegetation and prevent indiscriminate fodder intake during periods of drought. This is the first documented report of hypomagnesemic excitatory neurologic symptoms in Theileria spp. infected periparturient Malabari goats and showing response to appropriate therapy.