Cranium Bifidum and Meningocele in the Caudal Aspect of a Lamb Head

Abstract

Meningocele is a congenital defect defined as a herniation of dura through the defect of cranial bone (cranium bifidum) with an accumulation of CSF in it. This anomaly has been described in calf, lamb, foal, piglet, dog, and cat. The etiology of meningocele is unknown but genetic and environmental factors may cause meningocele in lambs. A seven-day-old female Kurdish lamb with a congenital mass (8 cm in diameter) in the caudal part of its head was referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Urmia University. The lamb was lateral recumbent and the vital signs were in the normal range. Symptoms of pain and paddling were revealed while manipulating the mass. The fluid obtained from the mass was examined under a microscope and showed no signs of bacteria or inflammatory cells. Total serum protein was 8.9 g/dL and mean platelet volume (MPV) was 2.5 fl and other blood parameters were normal. In radiography, there was a bone defect in the skull and congenital cranium bifidum and meningocele were confirmed. The meningocele mass was removed with surgery and the skin was stitched. The clinical condition of the lamb did not improve after surgery. The lamb had died 5 days after surgery. This report presents the clinical findings and radiographs of cranium bifidum in a Kurdish lamb. The prognosis for surgical treatment is poor in cases where the animal has not been able to stand and suckle since birth.