Hereditary Brachydactylia and Allied Abnormalities in the Rabbit

A series of deformities in the rabbit ranging from brachydactylia to acheiropodia have been described. Experimental breeding demonstrated that the occurrence of the deformities was determined by simple recessive hereditary factors and that the various types were genetically related and were not distinct hereditary entities. Embryological investigation showed the first abnormal change was a dilatation of blood vessels in affected buds. This was followed by hemorrhage and necrosis of the parts involved. Sloughing subsequently occurred, and the deformity was completely expressed by the 25th day of fetal life.