New Procedure at TVFS Helps Nigerian Dwarf Goat

Tufts Veterinary Field Service (TVFS) recently introduced a minimally invasive tube cystotomy (MITC) procedure to treat urinary blockage, a potentially fatal condition common in male goats. The first patient was Casper, a four-month-old Nigerian Dwarf goat who developed severe pain and difficulty urinating shortly after arriving at his new farm. TVFS diagnosed him with urinary blockage caused by urinary crystals, a condition often linked to diet, stress, or genetics.

Traditional surgery requires hospitalization and is costly, but MITC offers a less invasive, outpatient alternative. The procedure involves inserting a small cannula into the bladder to restore urine flow while stones dissolve with medication. Casper’s surgery took about 30 minutes, required only sedation, and allowed him to return home the same day. He recovered quickly with follow-up care and medication. TVFS clinicians emphasize early detection, proper diet, careful case selection, and diligent aftercare as critical factors for successful outcomes.