Cretinism (Iodine Deficiency) In Angora Goat Kids
By Dr Mackie Hobson BSc(Agric),BVSc

1. Diseases

Congenital iodine deficiency syndrome also called cretinism, is a condition of severely stunted physical neurological growth due to a congenital deficiency of thyroid hormone (congenital hypothyroidism) usually owing to maternal hypothyroidism.

An outbreak of goitre and hypothyroidism in new-born Angora kids has been described. The ewes had been grazing on lucerne from the time of mating and received a free-choice lick, which included iodine. Investigations revealed that the condition was iodine-responsive, and was probably caused by a goitrogen like thiocyanate.

REFERENCE

Bath G.F.; Wentzel D.; van Tonder E.M. Cretinism in Angora goats. Journal of the South African Veterinary Association (1979) 50 No.4 237-239 (En) Regional Veterinary Laboratory, Private Bag X528, 5900 Middelburg, Rep. of South Africa