ABSTRACT
The musculoskeletal system comprises the skeleton, joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles. Together with the nervous system, it is responsible for the animal’s stance and gait. Infections of the musculoskeletal system are common in sheep; polyarthritis is common in neonates, interdigital dermatitis in growing lambs and footrot in adults; all cause serious welfare concerns. Osteoarthritis, commonly predisposed by trauma, is largely conned to the elbow and stie joints. Clinical involvement of the musculoskeletal system is manifest as lameness, and much less commonly as weakness.
