Abstract
<jats:p>This case report describes a congenital limb defect observed in a crossbred lamb presenting hemimelia, defined as a congenital agenesis of the distal part of the limb, a condition previously reported in several animal species as well as in humans. This malformation belongs to the group of congenital limb reduction defects, characterized by partial or complete absence of distal limb structures. The case concerns a one-year-old male lamb born in October 2024. It belongs to an intensively reared sheep flock in Kolchiko, Thessaloniki, Greece. The flock includes approximately 100 animals of purebred Chios and Pelagonia breeds, managed under standard nutritional and breeding practices. No other congenital malformations have been previously recorded in the flock, and this lamb represents the only known case of such a defect on the farm. The lamb exhibited partial absence of both distal parts of the hind limbs since birth, yet showed remarkable adaptability, moving efficiently using its forelimbs and maintaining normal feeding and social behavior. Despite these compensatory abilities, the lamb presented reduced overall growth compared to flock mates. A clinical examination was performed, followed by additional radiographic assessment. Radiographs of the affected limb revealed the complete absence of the metatarsal bones and phalanges, consistent with distal transverse hemimelia. Tibia appeared normally developed, the distal portion of the limb showed soft tissue thickening and callus formation, likely resulting from chronic friction caused by ground contact during locomotion. This case contributes to the limited literature on congenital limb malformation in small ruminants and highlights the adaptive potential of affected animals under farm conditions.</jats:p>