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Abomasal Emptying Defect of Sheep may be an Acquired Form of Dysautonomia

Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL (SJP, MMM); Colorado Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO (PCS); Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory, College of Agriculture, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY (DO); and Powder River Veterinary Clinic, Kaycee, WY (DEC)

Abomasal emptying defect (AED) is a disease syndrome that primarily affects Suffolk sheep and is characterized by distension and impaction of the abomasum. No histologic lesion has been consistently associated with this condition. There is no known etiology. In this study, nine cases of AED were identified by necropsy, including three rams and six ewes between 2 and 6 years of age. Four of the cases occurred sporadically, and five ewes were submitted on the same day from a single flock. Histologic examination of celiacomesenteric ganglia from six of the affected sheep revealed scattered chromatolytic or necrotic neurons, without inflammation. Chromatolytic neurons were observed more frequently in AED-affected sheep than in seven healthy Suffolk sheep (P < 0.08, weak statistical support). Neuronal necrosis was not observed in any of the healthy sheep. Lineage records of the flock that suffered an outbreak were incompatible with the possibility of a simple inheritance pattern for this disease; furthermore, the very occurrence of AED in outbreak form is inconsistent with transmission solely by inheritance. Only one of the six tested sheep showed concurrent immunohistochemical evidence of scrapie. The lesion pattern in celiacomesenteric ganglia is suggestive of a neurotoxicosis. Neuronal lesions of AED resemble dysautonomic diseases of humans and other animals.

Key words: Abomasal emptying defect; abomasal impaction; abomasum; acquired disease; animal model; autonomic nervous system disorder; celiacomesenteric ganglion; dysautonomia; hypoganglionosis; natural disease; stomach; Suffolk sheep.

Request reprints from Dr. M. M. McAllister, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, 2001 South Lincoln Avenue, Urbana, IL 61802 (USA). E-mail: mmmcalli{at}uiuc.edu.

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