Incidence of Congenital Goitre in Goats in and Around Hyderabad, India

The study conducted in Hyderabad, India, screened 1,762 goats for congenital goitre, finding an incidence rate of 1.02%, with a higher prevalence in males and goats under 6 months. Malabari goats were most affected. Clinical signs included bilateral thyroid enlargement, failure to thrive, dyspnea, and alopecia. Affected goats showed hypothyroidism with decreased T₃ and T₄ levels and elevated TSH. Treatment with sodium levothyroxine and potassium iodide improved clinical and hormonal conditions in 88.89% of cases. The study highlights iodine deficiency as a primary cause and emphasizes the importance of comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.