Surgical management of carpal cyst in a goat

Introduction

A cyst is a non-inflammatory swelling that forms a sac or a closed cavity filled with liquid or semiliquid material that is also lined by a lining of secretory epithelium. Development of cysts in ruminants is common (Tyagi and Singh, 1993) [5] . In a study conducted by Sadan in 2019 [4] , 32.52% of superficial swellings in small ruminants were found to be abscesses while cysts occurred at a rate of 7.23%. Tassel cysts, thyroid cysts and interdigital cysts were found to be the most common. Body surface swellings are common in veterinary practice. The variations in the species of the affected animals, the location of the swellings, the size and consistency of the swellings and the nature and color of the contents may act as a good and valuable means for diagnosis and differential diagnosis (Misk et al., 2008) [3] . Management options include aspiration and cauterisation, but recurrence is common. Surgical enucleation of the cyst wall is considered the treatment of choice to prevent reformation of the lesion (Tyagi and Singh, 1993) [5] . The present report describes the successful surgical excision of a carpal cyst in a goat and its postoperative outcome.

Materials and Methods

A one-year-old non-descript male goat was presented to the Large Animal Section, Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, Veterinary College, Hebbal, Bengaluru, with a history of a gradually enlarging swelling on the left forelimb (Fig. 1). The swelling was localized to the carpal joint region, soft, fluctuating, cold to touch, and non-painful. The owner reported gradual increase in size over several weeks. Physiological parameters were within normal limits: temperature 102.3 °F, heart rate 82 beats/min, respiratory rate 20 breaths/min. No systemic abnormalities were detected. The goat was fasted for 24 hours before the procedure. Preoperatively, Inj. Ceftriaxone (10 mg/kg IV) and Inj. Meloxicam (0.5 mg/kg IM) were administered prior to surgery. General anesthesia was induced with ketamine (3 mg/kg IV) in combination with diazepam (0.5 mg/kg IV), and maintained with incremental doses of ketamine and diazepam to effect. The surgical site (carpal region) was shaved, scrubbed with surgical spirit and 7.5% povidone-iodine solution, and prepared aseptically (Fig. 2). A linear skin incision was made over the swelling on the lateral aspect of the hygroma, and careful dissection through the subcutaneous tissue was performed to expose the cyst wall. The cyst was dissected intact without rupture (Fig. 3). The defect was closed by suturing the subcutaneous tissue with chromic catgut No. 0 in a continuous pattern. Skin closure was performed with non-absorbable polyamide No. 1 in a horizontal mattress suture pattern (Fig. 4). The wound was dressed and covered with sterile bandage, an elastic adhesive bandage was applied and a self adherent wrap was wrapped over it. The excised cyst measured 4 cm in length, 2 cm in width, and 1 cm in thickness (Fig. 5). On puncturing the excised mass, a yellowish watery straw coloured liquid was observed. Postoperative medication included Inj. Ceftriaxone (10 mg/kg IM SID daily for 7 days), Inj Meloxicam (0.5 mg/kg IM daily for 3 days), and Inj Chlorpheniramine maleate for 5 days. The surgical site was cleaned and dressed daily. Sutures were removed on tenth post-operative day.

Results and Discussion

The goat recovered uneventfully from anesthesia and resumed feeding within a few hours post-surgery. Wound healing was satisfactory, and sutures were removed on day 10 without complications (Fig. 6). Follow-up at 3 months revealed no recurrence of swelling at the surgical site. Carpal cysts are distinct from hygromas, as they are true cystic structures with a fluid-filled cavity. Carpal hygromas are localised swellings over the dorsal aspect of the joint involving the skin, subcutaneous precarpal bursa and loose connective tissue with thickened skin or signs of cellulitis (Tyagi and Singh, 1993) [5] . Complete surgical excision is the recommended treatment and provides a favorable outcome with minimal risk of recurrence (Fubini and Ducharme, 2016) [2] . Combination of Ketamine with Diazepam is a good and raaaeliable means of achieving general anaesthesia for short surgical procedures on small ruminants (Amin et al., 2025) [1] . In this case, careful enucleation of the cyst without rupture was key to success, as rupture could have led to incomplete removal and possible recurrence.

Conclusion

This case demonstrates the successful surgical management of a carpal cyst in a goat through complete cyst excision and routine closure. Early diagnosis, proper anesthesia, careful dissection, and diligent postoperative care are crucial for favorable outcomes and prevention of recurrence.

References

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2. Fubini SL, Ducharme NG. Farm animal surgery. 2nd ed. St. Louis (MO): Elsevier; 2016. p. 502-503.
3. Misk NA, Semieka MA, Misk TN. Predilection seats of body surface abscesses in relation to the way of infection in some domestic animals. In: Proceedings of the 25th World Buiatrics Congress; 2008 Jul 6-11; Budapest, Hungary.
4. Sadan M. Superficial swellings in sheep (Ovis aries) and goats (Capra hircus): clinical and ultrasonographic findings. J Vet Med Sci. 2019;81(9):1326-1333. doi:10.1292/jvms.19-0209.
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