Microphthalmia in Texel lambs

Authors: Roe WD, Walshe MT, Jolly RD, West DM
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 51, Issue 4, pp 194-195, Aug 2003
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant, Sheep
Subject Terms: Eye/opthalmology, Genetics, Inherited disease/conditions, Clinical examination, Pathology
Article class: Short Communication

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Abstract: AIM: To describe an outbreak of congenital microphthalmia in Texel lambs in New Zealand.
METHODS: Affected eyes were fixed in 10% formol saline, processed routinely for histopathology and stained with haematoxylin and eosin, Holme’s silver and haematoxylin with and without luxol fast blue, and luxol fast blue alone.
RESULTS: Macroscopically, the globes and optic nerves were hypoplastic. Histologically, all embryonic components of the eye were present, but the lens, ciliary body, iris and retina were dysplastic. Axons of the hypoplastic optic nerve were poorly myelinated.
CONCLUSIONS: Congenital microphthalmia occurs in Texel sheep in New Zealand, and is likely inherited as an autosomal recessive trait.
KEY WORDS: Texel, microphthalmia, inherited disease

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