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Vitamin D-responsive rickets in neonatal lambs.
1Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, USA.
The Canadian Veterinary Journal = La Revue Veterinaire Canadienne
|November 10, 2004
Summary
Rickets in young lambs can present unusually with enlarged joints and limb deformities. Vitamin D deficiency was identified as the cause in affected lambs, treatable with supplementation.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Rickets is a metabolic bone disease affecting young animals, characterized by inadequate mineralization of bone.
- Clinical signs can vary, but often include skeletal deformities and lameness.
- Nursing lambs are typically protected from rickets due to adequate vitamin D transfer via colostrum.
Observation:
- Two sets of twin nursing lambs exhibited enlarged joints and mild angular limb deformities.
- Clinical presentation was atypical for typical rickets cases in this age group.
- Radiographic evidence supported the suspicion of rickets.
Findings:
- Serum analysis confirmed low vitamin D concentrations in the affected lambs.
- Response to vitamin D supplementation therapy was positive, confirming the diagnosis.
- This suggests a potential failure in passive transfer or increased requirement.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of assessing vitamin D status in nursing lambs, even when seemingly protected.
- Underscores that unusual clinical presentations warrant thorough diagnostic investigation.
- Informs management strategies to prevent vitamin D deficiency in neonatal livestock.