Cervico-thoracic vertebral subluxation in sheep: Awareness among veterinarians of a rare syndrome. (June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Aleri, J.W.; Russell, S.; Richardson, J.; Stephens, N.S.; Lee, G.K.C.; Laurence, M.
• Is Part Of: Research in veterinary science. Volume 130(2020)
• Page Start: 79
• Page End: 86
• Publication Date: 2020-06
• Subjects: Sheep -- CTVS -- BCS; Veterinary medicine -- Periodicals; Veterinary Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine vétérinaire -- Périodiques; Médecine vétérinaire -- Recherche -- Périodiques; Diergeneeskunde; 636.089
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2020.03.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0034-5288

Abstract

Abstract: Cervico-thoracic vertebral subluxation (CTVS) in sheep is a collective term that is used to describe various conditions that concomitantly affect the cervical and thoracic vertebrae, leading to their collapse. The aetiology and pathophysiology of CTVS remain unknown. The objective of this study was to conduct an epidemiological farm investigation and describe the clinicopathological findings of CTVS cases occurring in a flock of sheep; as well as to determine awareness of CTVS among sheep producers and ruminant veterinarians in Australia. Diagnostic imaging revealed severe deformities in the vertebrae between C6–C7 and T1–T3. Sheep affected with CTVS were at a four times higher risk of having low body condition scores (< 2 based on a 5-point scale) compared with non-affected sheep, OR = 3.98, 95% CI (1.20–12.65), p = .02. Survey results revealed that only 34% (15/44) of respondents were aware of CTVS. There is a need to further explore the aetiology and pathophysiology of CTVS, and the impact it has on sheep breeding and production. Highlights: Cervico-thoracic vertebral subluxation (CTVS) is a rare condition in sheep. The awareness and knowledge of CTVS among veterinarians and producers in Australia is low.