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Diffuse Alopecia and Thyroid Atrophy in Sheep.

Rubia Avlade Guedes Sampaio1, Franklin Riet-Correa1,2, Francisca Maria Sousa Barbosa1

  • 1Graduate Program in Animal Science, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Areia 58397-000, PB, Brazil.

Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI
|December 24, 2021
PubMed
Summary

Selenium and zinc deficiency in sheep caused thyroid atrophy, leading to hypothyroidism. This deficiency also resulted in skin issues like alopecia and hyperkeratosis, impacting animal health.

Keywords:
dermatosesendocrine diseasehypothyroidismmineral deficiencyruminants

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Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Animal Nutrition
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Thyroid dysfunction negatively impacts animal quality of life and can be linked to mineral deficiencies.
  • Low selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) intake can lead to hypothyroidism and skin lesions through direct effects and thyroid dysfunction.
  • Understanding these links is crucial for animal health management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To document natural cases of diffuse alopecia and thyroid abnormalities in sheep suffering from selenium and zinc deficiency.
  • To investigate the relationship between mineral deficiency and observed clinical signs and pathological changes.

Main Methods:

  • Clinical examination of five adult sheep exhibiting alopecia and skin abnormalities.
  • Biochemical analysis of serum and liver for triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), zinc (Zn), and selenium (Se) levels.
  • Necropsy and histopathological examination of thyroid glands and skin.

Main Results:

  • Sheep presented with severe diffuse alopecia, dry/brittle hair, thickened/crusty skin with peeling.
  • Low serum and liver concentrations of zinc and selenium were detected.
  • Serum T3 and T4 levels were below reference ranges, indicating hypothyroidism.
  • Thyroid glands showed marked atrophy with microscopic findings of follicular atrophy, macrophage infiltration, and fibrosis.
  • Skin histopathology revealed hyperkeratosis and edema.

Conclusions:

  • Thyroid atrophy, diffuse alopecia, and skin hyperkeratosis in sheep are strongly associated with low serum and liver concentrations of zinc and selenium.
  • Selenium and zinc deficiency can lead to hypothyroidism and significant dermatological issues in sheep.
  • This study highlights the critical role of adequate selenium and zinc intake for maintaining thyroid function and skin health in sheep.