Abstract: Background – Cerebrospinal nematodiasis due to Parelaphostrongylus tenuis is described in South American Camelids in North America, but information regarding the condition in goats is limited. Hypothesis/Objectives – This case series describes clinical presentation, diagnostics, treatment, and outcome for goats with presumptive cerebrospinal nematodiasis. Animals – Medical records for goats presented to the University of Tennessee from 2011-2024. A presumptive diagnosis was made based on the presence of an eosinophilic pleocytosis. Methods – Retrospective case series Results – Eight goats were identified that met inclusion criteria. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed: total nucleated cell count: 140 ± 157/µL (range: 12 to 430/μL); % eosinophils: 53.4 ± 19% (range: 33 to 89%); and total protein: 88 ± 63 mg/dL. All 8 goats were treated with fenbendazole and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs ± corticosteroids), in addition to other therapies and 4 received physical rehabilitation therapy. At discharge or follow-up, 7 goats were ambulatory and had minimal neurologic deficits. One goat was euthanized due to lack of response to treatment for concurrent anemia. Conclusions and Clinical Importance – In this population, goats with presumptive cerebrospinal nematodiasis due to P. tenuis seem to respond well to therapies described for South American Camelids, with a higher percentage surviving to discharge than reported for llamas and alpacas. Clinicians and producers should be aware of the potential for a decreased prognosis with concurrent disease.
