(spider lamb disease, ovine hereditary chondrodysplasia)
Spider syndrome is a genetic condition that results in lambs with severe malformations of the skeletal system. These animals have very fine bone , crooked legs and a crooked spinal column, and a distinct lack of muscular development. They usually do not survive to full maturity .
The cause of the condition appears to be genetic alteration due to selection for extreme length and height in show sheep. The disease is found predominantly in black-faced lambs: 75% Suffolk and 25% Hampshire. In order to have this disease, lambs must inherit a recessive gene from each parent. Several labs offer genetic testing for spider lamb disease.