A study on the incidence of fractures in goats

A study was conducted to determine the incidence of fractures in goats in relation to age, sex, type of fracture and bone and etiology. From April 2021 to April 2023, a total of 421 goats were presented for surgical interventions to Veterinary Clinical Complex, Rajiv Gandhi Institution of Veterinary Education and Research, Puducherry. Among all surgical interventions in goats, incidence of fractures was 24.94% (105/421). The occurrence of fracture in goats <1 year of age was highest (67.62%) followed 1 to 2 years of age (11.43%). Females were more frequently affected (60.00%) than males (40.00%). Closed fractures were very common (75.24%) than open fractures (24.76%). The common bone fracture was metacarpals (20.95%) followed by tibiofibular (19.05%). Major etiology of fracture was vehicle accidents (39.05%) followed by dog bite (24.76%). The study suggested that young female goats are more commonly affected with fracture and if not treated properly it results in culling of animals and economic loss to the farmers.