Thoracomelia in sheep: a case report
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Keywords

Aggression; congenital; malformation; polymelia; reproduction

How to Cite

Silva, E. S., Mustafa, V. S., Sá, P. A., & Campebell, R. de C. (2021). Thoracomelia in sheep: a case report. Brazilian Journal of Veterinary Medicine, 42(1), e108220. https://doi.org/10.29374/2527-2179.bjvm108220

Abstract

In this case report, the occurrence of thoracomelia in a female sheep is reported. Thoracomelia is a
congenital malformation that can affect several animal species and is characterized by the presence of
a supernumerary limb in the thoracic region. Scientific studies regarding the etiology of changes of this
nature are limited in veterinary medicine, especially concerning sheep. So far, there is no consensus
regarding if the origin of this congenital malformation is genetic or environmental. Here, we provide the
historical and photographic record of thoracomelia in a female sheep, and relate the malformation to an
environmental cause: physical aggression suffered during embryonic development. The sheep underwent
a surgical procedure for removal of the accessory limb and subsequently remained in the breeding line,
giving birth to healthy descendants without thoracomelia.

https://doi.org/10.29374/2527-2179.bjvm108220
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Copyright (c) 2020 Eder Sardinha Silva, Vanessa Silva Mustafa, Paula Aguiar Sá, Rita de Cassia Campebell