Small Ruminants - Myopathies

Question 1

Describe the clinical signs of congenital myotonia in goats.

Answer 1

• ‘Fainting goats’.
• CSx recognisable by 6wks of age; remain throughout life but not progressive.
• Vary from stiffness after rest to marked general rigidity after visual, tactile or auditory stimulation.

Question 2

What is the aetiology of congenital myotonia in goats?

Answer 2

Autosomal dominant mutation in the skeletal muscle chloride channel (CLCN1) that has incomplete penetrance.

Question 3

Describe the epidemiology of clostridial myonecrosis in sheep and goats.

Answer 3

• Most frequently associated with wounds occurring after shearing, docking and unsanitary surgical procedures.
• Inc risk if dipped for parasites after shearing if dip becomes contaminated with clostridial spores.