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Rea

Rea, a young Nigerian Dwarf goat, arrived at just two weeks old, suffering from paralysis in her hindquarters. She was discovered alone in a field, unable to move. A neighbor, learning of a man's intention to use her for target practice, intervened and rescued her from this grim fate. X-rays revealed severe spinal damage, the cause of which remains a mystery. Due to her paralysis, Rea had no control over her sphincter muscles, leading to continual rectal prolapse. Multiple attempts to suture her rectum were unsuccessful, as they would give way within a week, leaving her prolapse exposed. Neither manual reduction nor medication proved effective. Seeking advice, we contacted the University of Georgia (UGA), as Rea's vocalizations exacerbated her condition. UGA suggested a procedure typically performed on cattle, not goats: a laparoscopic colopexy, where the colon is sutured to the body wall to prevent prolapse. The surgery was successful, and as scar tissue formed during the healing process, Rea's prolapse diminished. Despite her challenges, Rea occasionally still expresses herself vocally.
She has always been spirited, she has no idea she's different and loves creating havoc as she zips in her wheelchair.

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Rea's birthday is June 29, 2023

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