Jones performed autopsies on goats like the one above in order to find the neurological cause of their immobility. A typical case of Beta-mannosidosis included immobility, inability to rise, trembling and swimming motion with their front and rear legs, and knuckling of fetlocks.
Examination of the brain begins with sectioning it to examine each area of the brain separately. It is first sectioned at the level of the mammillary bodies and the amygdaloid nuclei, areas crucial for behavior and cognition.
Next, each section, approximately 35 in all, would be studied for abnormalities.
This brain shows no lesions around the mammilary bodies and amygdaloid nucleus, indicating that it is healthy.
Ten key areas are selected for thorough examination. These areas are key because they have the highest likelihood of forming lesions. These lesions tell of the root cause of the dementia.