Enzootic calcinosis in sheep: clinical signs and pathology

Enzootic calcinosis in Corriedale sheep was characterized by degeneration and mineralization of elastic connective tissue of aorta, arteries, lung, and kidney and by ulceration of cartilage of joints of limbs. Results of serum chemical analysis revealed low Ca X P value and significantly low, but inconsistent magnesium concentration and normal inorganic phosphorus content. The Ca:P ratio in bone was low in affected sheep. Clinicopathologically, calcinosis of sheep at Mattewara, India, appeared to be similar to the disease described as Enteque seco in South America, Naalehu disease in Hawaii, Manchester wasting disease in Jamaica, and calcinosis in central Europe, Israel, and South Africa. The disease might be due to complex mineral imbalance, although the possibility of a plant poisoning has not been ruled out.