A case of congenital left brachium agenesis (amelia, brachiomelia monobrachium) in Sahel goat ecotype.

Abstract

This rare case of amelia in a doe-goat was observed in Tarka local government area, Benue State, middle belt region of Nigeria. The congenital deformity consisted of complete agenesis of the affected fore limb; the defect is commonly unilaterally manifested. The present congenitally impaired goat was approximately one and a half years old, and was a second kiddling of a normal multiparous dam. The left fore limb was grossly vestigial in development, while the homologous right hoof was splayed; the hind limbs were anatomically normal. Radiographs revealed morphological aberrations in intergumentary, skeletal, vascular, nervous systems and musculature of the affected limb. Sahel goat is alien to this developmental syndrome and this is to the best of our knowledge--the first case report of left sided brachial agenesia, (amelia) in a doe-goat of this breed. By season of occurrence, the hypothesis of interplay between genetics, climate and environment at large in the pathogenesis of this hereditary anomaly is raised and supported by the abundance of phytoteratogens in alternative diets in the dry seasons. The condition is compatible with life but may contribute to reproductive and economic loss in farms.