Lactation associated with acidophilic pituitary adenoma, pheochromocytoma, and cystic endometrial hyperplasia in two goats

Two unbred adult female goats were examined for persistent, inappropriate lactation. Prostaglandin F2 alpha treatment was ineffective in relieving the condition. Over 5 months, 1 goat developed evidence of CNS disease; this same goat had persistently high serum prolactin concentrations. At necropsy, both goats had an acidophilic adenoma of the pars distalis, a condition that, to our knowledge, has not previously been reported in goats. In addition, both goats had pheochromocytomas and cystic endometrial hyperplasia, conditions that are rarely reported in small ruminants. The inciting cause of inappropriate lactation in goats can be difficult to determine. Pituitary adenomas should be suspected when treatment with prostaglandins is unsuccessful, signs of CNS disease develop, or persistently high serum prolactin concentrations are detected.