Surgical management of carpal hygroma in a goat by bursectomy

Abstract

A 6-month-old male goat, weighing 17 kg, was presented to the Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, Veterinary College, Hebbal, Bengaluru, with a chronic, fluctuant swelling over the dorsal aspect of the left carpus. The swelling, present for more than two months, had been aspirated twice but recurred within days. Clinical examination revealed a painless, soft, non-adherent mass measuring approximately 6 cm in diameter, with no signs of joint involvement or infection. Hematological and biochemical parameters were within normal limits. These findings were consistent with carpal hygroma. Surgical excision of the inflamed false bursa (bursectomy) was performed under sedation and regional anesthesia. Postoperative management included systemic antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory therapy, along with strict bandage care. The goat exhibited uneventful recovery. This report emphasizes the efficacy of bursectomy as a definitive treatment option for refractory carpal hygromas in goats, particularly when conservative management fails.