Partial bilateral hind limb adactyly in a lamb

Abstract

Objective:Adactyly is a failure of development of digits formation in embryonic period. This congenital anomaly defined as the complete absence of digits on a limb. Adactyly is a rare disorder in the most of animal species. According to our knowledge this is the first report of such a rare condition.<br><br>Material and Methods: A healthy 2-month-old male lamb was referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad for shortening of both hind limbs and absence of hooves. Clinical and radiographical examination was performed.<br><br>Results and conclusion: In clinical examination, the distal ends of both hind limbs were covered by skin with small amount keratinized tissue in some regions. In addition to, a soft tissue mass in the dorsal surface of the left carpal joint was seen. In radiograph, Marked Soft tissue mass without any bone involvement was seen in dorsal aspect of left carpal joint.In right hind limb, tarsal bones seem to be normal but small abnormal changes in distal row of tarsal bones were not precluded. Metatarsal bones III and IV were abnormal too. Based on clinical sign and radiographic finding, adactyly was confirmed. This defect can result from defective genetic or maternal and environmental agents or from interaction.Adactyly is a rare anomaly but has been reported in human and different animal species such as calf, deer, donkey, cat and dog, but this is the first report of this congenital anomaly in a lamb.