Abstract
Rabbits thyroidectomized 2 to 3 weeks after birth have been allowed to develop in a hypothyroid condition for 10 to 16 weeks. At that time marked symptoms of cretinism are apparent. These rabbits have then received daily doses of dessicated thyroid by mouth or intravenous injections of Kendall's thyroxin, until the end of the growth period. If the thyroid treatment is then discontinued and the animal allowed to live for a long period of time, usually eight months or more, the posterior extremities become spastic. Reflexes are exaggerated and a slowly progressive paralysis occurs, which results in complete inability to use the hind legs. Histological study of the spinal cord shows degenerative changes. The blood picture is that of primary anemia.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.