Prevalence and Surgical Management of Goiter in Small Ruminants in Plateau State

Goiter, characterized by non-inflammatory enlargement of the thyroid gland, is a nutritional and environmental disease of small ruminants associated with iodine deficiency and goitrogenic plant intake. This study investigates the prevalence, radiographic features, and surgical management outcomes of goiter in sheep and goats in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria, from January 2022 to December 2023. Clinical examination of 640 small ruminants at selected farms and veterinary posts identified 94 animals with thyroid enlargement. Thyroid dimensions were assessed by ultrasonography and plain radiography. Surgical thyroidectomy was performed in 28 animals with clinically significant goiter causing respiratory or deglutition compromise. Iodine deficiency was the probable etiology in 71% of identified cases, based on dietary history and geographic iodine mapping data. Congenital goiter in neonatal lambs and kids was documented in 17% of goitrous animals. Partial thyroidectomy effectively reduced compressive clinical signs in 89% of operated animals. Complete thyroid excision was avoided to prevent postoperative hypothyroidism. Postoperative supplementation with potassium iodide was provided to all cases. Herd-level iodine supplementation through mineral licks resulted in significant reduction of new cases in monitored farms within six months. These findings support routine iodine supplementation programs for small ruminant herds in the Jos Plateau region and contribute to a better understanding of goiter epidemiology in Central Nigerian livestock. Keywords: goiter, small ruminants, thyroidectomy, Plateau State, iodine deficiency.