Ultrasonography: An affordable diagnostic tool for precisely locating Coenurosis cyst in sheep And goats

Abstract During a period of six months (Nov 2016–April 2017) 12 animals (nine sheep and three goats) with a mean age 10 months showing typical symptoms of chronic Coenurosis were presented for confirmatory diagnosis and treatment.Palpation of the skull revealed softening of frontal bone in 11 animals. One cyst per patient could be identified onultrasonography (USG) in all except one animal. The near and the far boundary wall of the cyst was visible ashyperechoic line. The contents of the cysts appeared anechoic. In five animals, up to half of the circumference of thecyst wall was visible in one view. The diameter of cysts ranged from 1.33 cm to 4.50 cm. The distance of the near wall of the cyst from the bony surface ranged from 0.50 cm to 1.34 cm. From this study, it was concluded that USG is an affordable, easy and efficient diagnostic tool for chronic Coenurosis in sheep and goats. Precise localisation and assessment of dimensions of the cyst/s and their distance from skull surface assessed on USG may improve the outcome of the surgery (by minimising the intraoperative damage to the brain). USG may also help in decision making as to whether the animal should be operated or not.