Lymphoedema

Phene ID

2457

Name

Lymphoedema

Phene Name

Inherited (congenital) lymphedema

OMIA ID

613

Species ID

9913

Characterised

No

Characterised Year

N/A

Inherited primary lymphoedema has been reported in several breeds including Ayrshire, Hereford and Japanese black cattle (Donald et al., 1952; Morris et al., 1954; Schild et al., 1991; Yamaguchi et al., 1995). A defect of the lymphatic system causes chronic oedema, particularly of the extremities and hindlimbs. In Hereford cattle the lower limbs and extremities appear to be most affected in a clinical presentation similar to that observed in humans with heritable lymphatic malformations (Schild et al., 1991). Affected cattle appear highly susceptible to secondary diseases, have a reduced life expectancy, and show abnormal lymph node anatomy on histopathology (Schild et al., 1991). Clinical presentation in Ayrshire cattle is distinct, with a severe and mild form of the disease described (Donald et al., 1952). For the severe form see: OMIA:000493-9913 : Hydrops foetalis.  Yamaguchi et al. (1995) report a 9 month old Japanese Black calf with congenital lymphoedema.  (IT thanks Alexandra Fraser for suggested changes to this entry (31/01/2025))

Schild et al. (1991) report variable expressivity and incomplete penetrance in Hereford cattle, based on disease expression following test matings: 14.28% of offspring were affected when a carrier Hereford bull was mated to unrelated Charolais females, and 18.18% were affected when the same bull was mated to his daughters.