Design and use of a protective jacket to prevent self-inflicted injury following cervical laminoplasty in the goat (Capra hircus).
A group of dairy goats underwent cervical laminoplasty procedures as part of a biomechanics project. Although most animals had minimal incisional complications, several developed excoriations exacerbated by scratching at the incision site 6 to 8 weeks after the surgery. Local and systemic treatment was instituted as indicated. Bandages were inadequate to protect the neck from self-trauma, and the potential existed for serious injury to or infection of the old surgical site. We designed and made custom padded jackets for these animals. Treatment continued. While allowing the animals to exercise their scratching behavior, the jackets protected the traumatized area until healing was complete and the pruritus resolved. This jacket or modifications of it may be useful in other goat, sheep, or calf projects in which protection of the neck, shoulders, and thorax is needed.
Eisele
P H
PH
Animal Resources Service, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California 95616, USA.
Allen
C E
CE
D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006041:Goats / Q000601:surgery*; D007796:Laminectomy / Q000662:veterinary*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D011482:Protective Devices / Q000662:veterinary*; D012652:Self Mutilation / Q000517:prevention & control*