Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congentia and Fetal Mummification in a Sheep with Hydrops of Fetal Membranes

Hydrops of the fetal membranes (HFM) and fetal mummification are considered as pathological disorders of pregnant sheep. Arthrogryposis multiplex congentia was reported as a very rare congenital syndrome in newly born/ stillbirth lambs or fetuses. A three-years- and sixth-months-old full-term pregnant Rahmani ewe was presented to Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Egypt. The ewe clinically showed HFM and vaginal prolapse, successful delivery revealed 6 dead fetuses; 3 mummified, and 3 full-term malformed fetuses that were characterized by: (1) dysgnathia (brachygnathy inferior), (2) kyphoscoliosis, (3) arthrogryposis, (4) congenital deformities of cervical spine, and (5) abnormalities of the thoracic cage. All these malformations were confirmed by radiographic imaging. The expansion in the use of artificial insemination is strongly required in sheep production in order to minimize the inbreeding-resulted inherited origin diseases such as this case study