On December 31, 2024, Roo’s took a sudden and serious turn. After being diagnosed with a severe heart murmur the week prior, Roo began showing signs of distress—labored breathing, loss of appetite, and visible discomfort. We knew it was an emergency.
With pain medication to ease his discomfort, Roo and his loyal companion, Butters (who came along for moral support), made the four-hour drive to Texas A&M University’s veterinary hospital. Goats are herd animals, and we knew Roo would feel safer with his friend by his side.
The Diagnosis
At Texas A&M, Roo underwent a thorough examination, including X-rays, ultrasounds, and bloodwork. The results revealed a large mass in his thorax, compressing his lungs and making it difficult for him to breathe. To determine the nature of the mass, Roo needed a procedure to extract fluid for testing.
The procedure was risky—sedation is dangerous for goats, especially one as sick as Roo. But thanks to the incredible skill of the veterinary team, they performed the procedure while Roo was standing, using a localized block. They removed 240 mL of fluid, and Roo immediately showed improvement, even eating hay shortly after!
The Fight Continues
Over the next few days, Roo’s condition stabilized. The fluid was tested, and while it showed no signs of cancer or severe inflammation, the mass remained a mystery. A CT scan and further examinations confirmed a heart murmur and pointed to a possible thymoma, a tumor of the thymus gland.
The best-case scenario? Radiation therapy. If the tumor responded, Roo could return to a normal life. The alternative was unthinkable.
Radiation Therapy & Hope
Roo began radiation therapy in January 2025. Despite a few bumps in the road—like a rough anesthetic protocol during one session—Roo proved to be a fighter. By his fourth treatment, the tumor had shrunk by 40%, and by February 4, he completed his sixth and final session.
Throughout it all, Butters was by Roo’s side, living his “best life” and providing the emotional support only a goat best friend could offer.
An Optimistic Outlook
On February 5, 2025, Roo and Butters were discharged from Texas A&M. Roo will return for a follow-up in 2-4 months to monitor the tumor’s progress, but for now, he’s home where he belongs—happy, healthy, and surrounded by love.
