Disorders originating in the bones, joints and tendons in sheep and goats

Bone Disorders

1. Rickets and Osteomalacia

Caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphorus.

In young lambs and kids, rickets occurs: soft bones, bowed legs, lameness, and growth retardation.

In adults — osteomalacia: brittle bones, weakness, and sometimes deformity of the pelvic bones and vertebrae.

2. Fractures

Result from trauma — falls, running over, or assault.

Seems like sudden lameness, swelling, pain, and sometimes abnormal movement of the limb.

3. Osteomyelitis

Bone infection, usually after injury or bacterial infection from a nearby source (such as a joint or wound).

Causes swelling, local heat, severe lameness, and sometimes purulent discharge.

Joint Disorders

1. Septic Arthritis

Usually caused by bacteria (such as Corynebacterium, Mycoplasma or E. coli), mainly in young calves via the umbilical cord.

Characterized by joint swelling, local fever, severe pain and lameness.

2. Chronic Arthritis

Sometimes caused by viruses (such as Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis Virus in goats).

Causes joint swelling, stiffness, deformities, and decreased function.

3. Degenerative Joint Disease – Osteoarthritis

Appears in older animals, especially in the joints of the extremities.

Signs: stiffness, gradual lameness, and limitation of movement.

Disorders originating from tendons and ligaments

1. Tendinitis

Usually due to overload, trauma or local infection.

Appears as swelling along the tendon, heat, pain and varying degrees of lameness.

2. Tendon Rupture

Severe trauma or overload due to existing tendon weakness.

Loss of support in the limb, deformity in the position of the foot or inability to walk.

3. Tendon Contracture

Tendon shortening (congenital or acquired), causing limited movement or abnormal posture.

Most often occurs in young calves born with defects in the locomotor system.

Prevention and treatment:

Mineral supplements (Ca, P, vitamin D), balanced diet, antibiotic treatment for infections, fixation of fractures as needed.

*It is always advisable to consult a qualified veterinarian.