Congenital Defects and Rational Drug Use

Our story begins at the Zonal Veterinary Clinic in Daura, Katsina State, where a curious farmer presented an extraordinary case: a 2-week-old lamb with not just two, but three ears! This quirky lamb, however, had more than a peculiar appearance; it couldn't stand since birth, setting the stage for a thorough examination and some veterinary detective work.

Amid the examination, the lamb's triple-ear situation triggered memories of how, in rural settings, similar abnormalities often get wrongly blamed on mystical entities like the infamous "Iskokai" in Hausa. Countless stories circulate, showcasing goats with human-like features on various media platforms, fueling narratives of prophetic signs foretelling the end of the world or bizarre tales of alleged human-goat crossbreeds resulting from interspecies mating. However, the real explanation doesn't reside in folklore but rather in the domain of congenital abnormalities or "birth defects," phenomena that impact both humans and animals.

Contrary to superstition, these anomalies aren't the result of demonic influences but stem from genetic aberrations (mutations), environmental, or combined factors. Even those charming dimples many adore? Well, I playfully argue they're harmless congenital defects, specifically a double or bifid Zygomaticus major muscle. Feel free to debate that at your leisure. As for me, I sport a congenital styling between my 2nd and 3rd toe, a delightful inheritance from my maternal grandfather.

Returning to our lamb's tale, a closer examination revealed a sac resembling a third ear, protruding from a skull defect (a hole in the skull). Could it be Cranium bifidum, cephalocele/meningo-encephalocele? This sac, filled with cerebrospinal fluid, not only altered the lamb's appearance but also affected its movements, emanating from the region of the brain known to control/coordinate movement (Cerebellum). In the narrative of congenital abnormalities, structural anomalies often accompany functional impacts.

The mysterious mechanism is "teratogeny." This elaborate term describes the process causing these anomalies, orchestrated by agents known as "teratogens." Picture them as the mischief-makers, including physical agents like radiation, certain drugs, or infections. While drugs/chemicals such as Thalidomide, Alcohol, Accutane (Isotretinoin), Warfarin, Valproic Acid, Retinoids, Thioamides (e.g., Methimazole), Cocaine, Tetracycline Antibiotics, Albendazole, and Certain Anticancer Drugs have been confirmed as teratogens, there are still many agents with teratogenic effects awaiting confirmation. This underscores the importance of people being cautious about what they take or get exposed to, especially during the early stages of pregnancy. Similarly, in the case of animals, drugs with known and verified effects should be administered to pregnant animals to prevent potential tragedies.

In Nigeria, veterinary medicine significantly falls victim to quackery, with treatments being more of a hit-or-miss affair. Farmers often resort to their own remedies before consulting professionals. Tetracyclines and Albendazole, the so-called "Commando" medications might seem like a cure-all, but they are, in fact, potential troublemakers, especially during pregnancy.

Our story, however, takes a positive turn. The lamb underwent surgery, where the extra "ear" (or cephalocele, to be precise) was skillfully handled. The duct was ligated, the sac excised, and closure sutures neatly placed, followed by diligent post-operative care – a testament to the veterinary wisdom that emerged from this tale.

So, what's the moral of our story? Regular veterinary check-ups are essential, and the rational use of drugs is no laughing matter. Let's not jump to medications just because the neighbor swears by them. Vets, heed the "Doctrine of Rational Drug Use," and let's collectively strive for healthier and more vibrant communities by responsibly stewarding the health of both animals and humans alike. And who knows, a few smiles with your dimples (those with the defect ??) might just add some charm to our journey.