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Published on: January 19, 2014
Cerebellar cortical abiotrophy in Wiltshire sheep
A C Johnstone1, C B Johnson, K E Malcolm
1Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, New Zealand. A.C.Johnstone@massey.ac.nz
New Zealand Veterinary Journal
|July 27, 2005
Summary
A neurological disease in Wiltshire sheep, termed cerebellar abiotrophy, is characterized by Purkinje cell loss and genetic factors. This degenerative condition affects the cerebellum, suggesting an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Sheep Pathology
- Neurodegenerative Diseases
Background:
- Neurological disorders in livestock can impact animal health and agricultural productivity.
- Wiltshire sheep have presented with an unknown neurological condition requiring investigation.
Observation:
- Affected lambs exhibited primary neurological lesions localized to the cerebellum.
- Microscopic examination revealed Purkinje cell loss and hypertrophied Purkinje cell dendrites containing smooth endoplasmic reticulum.
- Bergmann glial hyperplasia and cell swelling, along with mild white matter degeneration, were also noted.
Findings:
- The observed cerebellar lesions were degenerative and reactive, not hypoplastic.
- Histopathological findings suggest a genetic etiology for the disease.
- The pattern of inheritance is suspected to be autosomal recessive.
Implications:
- The condition is formally described as cerebellar abiotrophy in Wiltshire sheep.
- Understanding the genetic basis can aid in diagnosis and potential breeding strategies.
- This research contributes to the knowledge of ovine neurological diseases.
