Non-primary adenocarcinoma in a pet goat (Capra hircus)

A 12-year-old hysterectomised pet goat was referred for posterior lameness and general weakness evolving into paralysis. Spine radiography showed a sublumbar mass and a vertebral fracture. The computed tomography scan and postmortem examination further confirmed the presence of sublumbar adenocarcinoma infiltrating vertebrae and inducing a pathological fracture of the fifth lumbar vertebra. Metastasis was evident in the liver and lungs but the primary tumour could not be identified. However, the medical history of hysterectomy and hydrometra led to suspicion of primary endometrial adenocarcinoma. This case report supports the consideration of adenocarcinoma as a serious and common disorder in pet goats with weight loss and weakness.