This is a case that was managed up at the University of Pennsylvania New Bolton Center. Dr. Amy Johnson contacted the Neurology-Neurosurgery Service at the MJ Ryan Veterinary Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania after seeing Zoe, a goat that had fallen from a tree. Apparently the goat climbed the tree and was having a grand old time one afternoon when the owners spied it up there. Being concerned, they tried to rescue Zoe by placing a ladder against the tree and climbing up to her. Zoe didn’t understand the bravery and heroism that the owners were showing. She took the fast way out of the tree by leaping but fell on her back. When she presented to the New Bolton Center, she was alert and appropriate. She could stand with assistance but preferred to lay down. Radiographs showed a minimally displaced T11-12 vertebral fracture/luxation. Over the course of the next 24-48 hours, she became weak, nonambulatory and then could not support herself whatsoever. On examination, all of her abnormalities were confined to her rear legs. She could not rise on her own. It was very difficult to appreciate any motor in her pelvic limbs. Her reflexes were still intact and she had good pain perception. Her anal tone and sphincters were normal. She was uncomfortable with palpation of her lower thoracic spine. I was impressed by her weight (more than 200 lbs) and the effort needed just to get her to stand and support herself.

Radiographs, CT and intraoperative fluoroscopy confirmed the fracture. We reduced the fracture and placed pins and methyl-methcralate to stabilize the fracture. Overall the surgery went fine but I was concerned that the pins and bone cement would bend or break with the weight and movement of this animal.

Post-operatively, Zoe did well but was certainly not kicking up her heels in the pasture immediately after surgery. She still needed a lot of support and human effort just to rise. Integral to her recovery were slings and the “goat-mobile”. Rehabilitation was a huge part of her recovery. The nurses, students and doctors out at the New Bolton Center were incredibly committed to helping Zoe get better and stronger. I am absolutely convinced that without their hard work, Zoe would not have had the fine outcome that she did finally enjoy after more than 3 months at New Bolton Center.