OBSERVATIONS ON THE METABOLIC DISTURBANCES, GROWTH AND BEHAVIOUR OF YOUNG GOATS AFTER TRANSECTION OF THE PITUITARY STALK

Abstract

ABSTRACT In young goats section of the pituitary stalk, with the insertion of a plate to ensure permanent separation of the pituitary gland from the hypothalamus, led to the development of metabolic disturbances including a severe hypoglycaemia. These complications were largely avoided by giving hormone replacement therapy for the first few weeks after operation. The growth of the body and of the target organs (thyroids, adrenals, gonads) was greatly retarded during the first 2 to 4 months; after this the animals increased in size and weight more normally, but the target organs remained very small. The protein-bound iodine content of the serum was low. The blood picture was essentially normal. Although the clinical condition of the goats improved noticeably after a few months their activity continued to be reduced and their behaviour subdued by comparison with normal goats. The difference in the condition of twin goats, in one of which a plate was not inserted, is described.