Spinal abscess and cord compression syndrome in lambs

Abstract

Extract

Spinal abscess and cord compression as it occurs in lambs in New Zealand has previously been described by Downey (1957) who gave a brief review of nine cases and by Hartley and Kater (1962). The anatomical detail was, however, inadequate and the former author found that “it had not been possible to decide where the original focus of infection [was] situated”. He did not give an histological description of the lesions and suggested that the condition could be in all instances a manifestation of navel infection with localization of bacteria in bone marrow or synovial membranes. With respect to the organisms isolated in his cases, this author was not convinced that they were primary pathogens although no reasons were given for not accepting them as such.