Hereditary chondrodysplasia (“spider syndrome”) in a New Zealand Suffolk lamb of American origin

Abstract

The first case of hereditary chondrodysplasia ("spider syndrome") in a New Zealand Suffolk lamb of American origin is described. An imported Suffolk ram of American origin was test mated to 27 of his daughters. In one of the resulting progeny, found dead at birth, a diagnosis of hereditary chondrodysplasia was made based on the typical radiographical abnormalities of multiple centres of ossification in the anconeal process of the ulna, vertebrae, sternebrae and pelvic bones. These changes were confirmed histopathologically.