Self-inflicted Occipital Puncture Wound from Aberrant Horn Growth in a West African Dwarf Buck: A Case Report

Abstract

This report describes a rare case of self-inflicted occipital puncture injury in an 11-month-old West African Dwarf (WAD) buck caused by aberrant horn curling. The animal presented with a circular penetrating wound in the occipital region, resulting from the distal tip of a severely curved horn. Despite the depth and location of the lesion, no systemic or neurological deficits were detected. The case was managed by horn tipping, wound debridement, and antimicrobial therapy, leading to complete recovery within three weeks. Self-inflicted cranial trauma due to abnormal horn morphology is scarcely documented in veterinary literature, with most horn-related injuries usually attributed to intraspecies aggression or environmental hazards. This case underscores the clinical significance of horn conformational abnormalities as potential causes of severe trauma, even in otherwise healthy small ruminants. The successful management highlights the importance of early recognition and timely surgical intervention in preventing life-threatening complications. From a preventive standpoint, routine monitoring and periodic horn trimming should be considered essential herd health measures, particularly in breeds prone to horn conformational abnormalities. This case contributes to the limited documentation of self-inflicted traumatic injuries in goats and emphasizes the need for proactive management to safeguard animal welfare.