Introduction
Mastitis and parasitic diseases are critical health challenges affecting livestock worldwide, including in Nigeria, where livestock plays a vital role in the agricultural sector [1]. Mastitis is a widespread and economically significant disease in dairy animals, including goats [2]. It is characterized by inflammation of the mammary gland, often caused by bacterial pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus spp [3]. Infections can result from environmental contamination or poor milking hygiene, exacerbated by insufficient veterinary services and a lack of awareness among farmers [4]. Clinical mastitis often presents with visible symptoms such as swollen udders and abnormal milk, while subclinical forms are harder to detect but equally detrimental [5,6]. A study in Nigeria demonstrated that mastitis significantly reduces milk yield and quality, affecting both farmers’ incomes and consumers’ safety [7]. The economic losses due to mastitis include reduced milk production, veterinary costs, and culling of severely affected animals [8]. The zoonotic potential of some mastitis-causing pathogens adds another layer of complexity [9]. For instance, S. aureus and E. coli are known to cause foodborne illnesses in humans if milk is consumed without proper pasteurization [10].
Helminthiasis, caused by parasitic worms such as nematodes, trematodes, and cestodes, is a significant concern in grazing animals [11]. Infections with helminths such as Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus spp. leads to chronic blood loss, protein deficiency, and reduced productivity [12]. These parasites feed on the host’s nutrients and blood, leading to chronic health problems such as anemia, weight loss, and decreased fertility [12,13]. Studies in Nigeria have revealed high prevalence rates of gastrointestinal helminths in livestock, linked to poor grazing practices and lack of regular deworming programs [14,15]. For instance, a meta-analysis of helminthosis in Nigerian ruminants reported that helminths remain a persistent threat to animal health, especially in under-resourced areas [14]. The economic impact of helminthosis includes decreased growth rates, lowered productivity, and increased susceptibility to secondary infections [16].
Coccidiosis, caused by protozoa of the genus Eimeria, affects the gastrointestinal tract of goats and is particularly severe in young and stressed animals [17]. It often occurs in environments with poor sanitation and overcrowded housing, which are common in intensive and semi-intensive farming systems [18]. The disease is characterized by diarrhea, reduced feed efficiency, and high morbidity and mortality rates in severe cases [17]. In Nigeria, studies have shown a high prevalence of coccidiosis in goat populations, with significant economic implications due to poor growth and treatment costs [19]. The widespread presence of Eimeria species in Nigerian livestock highlights the need for improved management and preventive strategies [20].
Mastitis, coccidiosis, and helminthosis present significant challenges to livestock farming in Nigeria [1,21]. These diseases not only impact animal health but also threaten food security and economic stability in rural communities. This case report presents the management of mastitis concurrent with parasitism in a three-and-a-half-year-old Sahel doe.
Case Presentation and Management
A three-and-half-year-old Sahel doe (Fig. 1) from Sabon Gari was presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, with complaints of a swollen udder and inability of the kids to suckle from the udder. History revealed that the doe delivered (a buckling and doeling) 4 days before presentation and was managed semi-intensively with 6 other goats (5 doe and 1 buck). They were fed bean-husk and hay, and there was no prior history of medication or vaccination.
On physical examination, the doe weighed 41 kg and looked apparently healthy, enlarged left udder (Fig. 2), and the doe expressed pain on udder palpation. There was also epilation, a slightly pale ocular mucous membrane, and enlarged pre-mammary lymph nodes. The temperature (38.8°C), pulse (70 beats/minute) and respiratory (20 cycles/minute) rates were within normal reference values. Five milliliters of blood from the jugular vein, 5 ml of milk from the udder, and 10 g of fecal samples were obtained aseptically from the doe for hematological, bacteriological, and parasitological tests. The laboratory results showed slight anemia (PCV=23%), and neutrophilia (55%) on hematology (Table 1), and the milk culture yielded the growth of E. coli which was sensitive to amoxicillin and cefoxitin. The fecal sample showed the presence of Strongyle eggs (++) and Coccidia oocyst (+) (Fig. 3).
Figure 1.
The Sahel doe at presentation.
Figure 2.
The swollen udder of the Sahel doe (arrow).
Table 1.
Haematological profile.
| Parameters | Patient value | Reference value [28] |
|---|---|---|
| PCV (%) | 23.00 | 24–50 |
| HB (g/dl) | 7.0 | 8–15 |
| RBC (× 1012/l) | 5 | 5–15 |
| WBC (× 109/l) | 13.0 | 4–12 |
| Band cells (%) | 1 | 0–2 |
| Neutrophils (%) | 55 | 10–50 |
| Lymphocytes (%) | 45 | 40–75 |
| Monocytes (%) | 4.0 | 0–6 |
| Eosinophils (%) | 4.0 | 0–10 |
| Basophils (%) | 2.0 | 0–3 |
| Plasma protein (g/dl) | 6.4 | 6.0–7.9 |
Figure 3.
Diagnostic report form showing bacterial culture and antimicrobial sensitivity.
A diagnosis of mastitis and parasitism was established based on history, and physical and clinical evidence. The doe was treated with Inj. 15% Amoxicillin LA (Interchemie Werken®, Netherland, 15 mg/kg, intramuscularly stat.), 2.5% Albendazole (Interchemie Werken®, Netherland, 10 mg/kg orally stat.), 1% Inj. Diclofenac (Fitking Diclofena® China at 2.5 mg/kg × 3/7, intramuscularly stat.) and by day 4 of follow-up 20% Oxytetracycline (20 mg/kg, Kepro®, Netherland, intramuscularly stat) was administered. A follow-up visit was carried out on days 4 and 7 post treatment and the animal appeared apparently healthy with a good appetite and the swelling had resolved by day 7. The helminth and coccidia parasite was completely cleared from the feces and the vital parameters were all within the normal reference value range. The doe fully recovered and was discharged.
Discussion
This case highlights the complex interplay between bacterial mastitis and parasitic infections, such as helminthosis and coccidiosis, in small ruminants. The concurrent presentation of these conditions in the Sahel doe shows the multifactorial challenges faced by livestock in semi-intensive management systems, especially in resource-limited settings.
The isolation of E. coli as the causative agent of mastitis aligns with its known role as an environmental pathogen commonly implicated in acute clinical mastitis [3]. The presence of Escherichia coli likely reflects poor hygiene during or post-parturition, a critical factor in the onset of intramammary infections [3]. The observed neutrophilia in the hematological profile further corroborates an acute inflammatory response to bacterial invasion [22]. Neutrophils play a key role in the body’s defense mechanism and are usually involved in the acute infection as they migrate to the site of infection in the bid to eliminate any invading pathogen, hence the neutrophilia observed [23]. The successful resolution of clinical signs following treatment with amoxicillin, to which the isolate was highly sensitive, reinforces the need for prompt and appropriate antimicrobial therapy tailored to sensitivity testing [24].
The detection of helminth eggs and coccidia oocysts in fecal samples illustrates the endemic nature of parasitism in goats grazing on contaminated pastures. The slight anemia observed in the doe can be attributed to chronic blood loss and nutrient depletion caused by these parasites which is in concert with the report of Nayak [25]. Parasitism with concurrent anemia diminishes the self-defense mechanism thereby increasing the animal’s susceptibility to other infections, compounding its impact on overall health and productivity. Treatment with albendazole effectively eliminated the parasitic load, highlighting the efficacy of targeted anthelmintics in integrated livestock health management [26,27]. This case report shows the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to managing diseases in livestock, combining clinical diagnostics, laboratory testing, and evidence-based treatment to achieve favorable outcomes.
Conclusion
This case underscores the importance of prompt diagnosis and integrated treatment strategies in managing concurrent infections in small ruminants. The successful resolution of mastitis highlights the effectiveness of combining targeted antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anthelmintic therapies. To ensure sustainable livestock farming, stakeholders must prioritize preventive measures, including farmer education, improved husbandry practices, regular deworming, and prompt veterinary care.
Acknowledgments
The authors thank the laboratory staff for their expertise and the owner for giving consent to publish this case.
Conflict of interest
None to be declared.
Authors contribution
CCU, IYL, SD, and EGH handled the case and analyzed the results. CCU, KOJ wrote the manuscript and all authors agreed on the final draft.
