A lower motor neuron disease in newborn Romney lambs

Authors: Parton KH, Sargison ND, Collett MG, Anderson PD, Jolly RD
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 47, Issue 3, pp 112-114, Jun 1999
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant, Sheep
Subject Terms: Genetics, Inherited disease/conditions, Neonatal, Disease/defect, Nervous system/neurology, Pathology
Article class: Short Communication

---

Abstract: AIM: To determine the cause and nature of a disease in newborn New Zealand Romney lambs characterised by progressive weakness and premature death.
METHODS: Affected lambs were examined clinically, humanely killed and submitted to necropsy. Selected fonmalinfixed tissues were examined histologically. Data on the parentage of the lambs were collected.
RESULTS: The principle lesions found were degeneration and loss of neurons in ventral horns of the spinal cord and brain stem and Wallerian degeneration of motor nerves and denervation atrophy of skeletal muscles fibres.
CONCLUSION: The lesions are those of a lower motor neuron disease which appeared to have a genetic cause.
KEY WORDS: Lambs, lower motor neuron disease, inherited.

---