Therapeutical outcome of cerebrospinal nematodiasis in goats

In 17 goats the therapeutical outcome of cerebrospinal nematodiasis, a para sitic infection in the central nervous system with the nematode Elaphostron gylus cervi, is described. The diagnosis was made on the basis of physical findings and cerebrospinal fluid eosinophilia. The therapy was based on the administration of a non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug (flunixin meglumin e) and two anthelmintics (fenbendazol, ivermectin) for five days. The respo nse to therapy was documented immediately and 30 days after therapy and by owners report up to 30 months. Eleven goats (64.7 %) showed an improvement of the neurological signs direc tly after therapy. Three had a complete recovery. Signs of a light and midd le ataxie were still present in 6 and 2 goats, respectively. Six recumbent goats (35.3 %) had to be euthanasied because of a non-therapeutical respons e. This study has shown a clinical impression of successful use of flunixin me glumine, fenbendazole and ivermectin in goats with light to middle neurolog ical signs. The goats could accommodate the remaining ataxia without showin g a reduced production. Goats with high neurological deficits could not be successful treated based on the high degree of the neurological damage.