Congenital goiter and mineral imbalance in goat kids

ABSTRACT

The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between thyroid function and some macro- and micro elements in goats. Fourteen Egyptian goat kids of different ages [4-45 days] suffering from congenital goiter were operated [hemithyroidectomy] throughout a period of four years [1995-1999]. Serum constituent levels of Triiodothyronine [T3], Thyroxine [T4], Thyroid-Stimulating hormone [TSH], Protein-bound iodine [PBI], Calcium, inorganic phosphorus, magnesium, iron, copper, Zinc, Cobalt and Selenium were estimated in affected Kids and their dams preand post the operation. There was a significant decrease in serum concentrations of T3, T4, TSH, PBI, Zinc, Cobalt and selenium, while magnesium and copper levels showed a significant increase in affected kids' dams. There was significant decrease in serum concentrations of T4, TSH, PBI, Zinc, Cobalt and Selenium while T3, magnesium and copper values were significantly increased in kids with hypothyroidism. No significant change was observed in calcium, inorganic phosphorus and iron levels neither in goitrous kids nor their dams. Ten days post thyroidectomy, the mean serum concentrations of T3, T4 and PBI were significantly increased while TSH decreased significantly in the affected kids. There was slight hypocalcaemia, depression of magnesium and copper near to normal levels while the mean zinc level was increased but not significantly. Cobalt and Selenium showed no improvement post operation. Daily examination, revealed complete resolution of clinical signs especially thyroid enlargement in 11 out of 14 kids within 2 weeks after the operation. It is possible to say that deficiency of cobalt and selenium in dams may play a role to cause congenital goiter in their kids and that the homeostasis of magnesium, copper and zinc is altered during hypothyroidism. Also it can be said that the hemithyroidectomy can be followed as a therapeutic surgical procedure in goat kids suffering from the disease