[Jacob-list] RAM lamb problem

[Jacobflock at aol.com]

I didn't see any post linking the defect to OCD.  The ewe lamb is normal. Ram 
lamb has been crooked since birth.

Congenital defects should be observed closely.  First look for trauma, then 
environment, then an inherited defect.  This may have nothing to do with 
inbreeding or OCD.  It may be a deformed spine from birth ... the position in 
the womb.  

Spinal compression from the lumbar back would effect locomotion.  The mother 
ewe, may have "pawed" the ram lamb and damaged its spine, pelvis, or leg.

If you want to explore the defect further: Have an Xray done of the spine and 
pelvis to determine if it is a spinal injury or deformity.  The OCD could 
also be exposed by Xray but necropsy may be more useful.  Absent spinal 
trauma or deformity and no OCD ... consider other skeletal/muscular diseases 
... and we know these are present in Jacobs as well ... scoliosis?

Fred Horak
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://www.pairlist.net/pipermail/jacob-list/attachments/20020419/0375b19a/attachment.htm