Case report: Ectopia cordis in a German Holstein calf

A case of ectopia cordis pectoralis was diagnosed in a black and white coloured German Holstein calf. The heart and pericard were displaced through a fissure in the breastbone. The heart was connected with the thoracic cavity by its large vessels. Besides of the ectopia cordis no other defects of the heart were noticed. The liver was deformed and many organs showed passive hyperaemia. The calf was well developed and died under birth. The lungs were not ventilated. The malformed calf was inbred on a bull used for artificial insemination with an inbreeding coefficient of 3.125%. The ectopia cordis probably resulted from the fissure of the breastbone.     

Computed tomographic images of discospondylitis in a calf

A 2-month-old male Japanese Black calf was presented with a 30-day history of progressive ataxia. Antemortem examination using computed tomography (CT) revealed narrowing of the disc spaces due to destruction of intervertebral structures between the first and second thoracic vertebrae and between the second and third thoracic vertebrae. Osteolysis was evident as irregular hypoattenuating lesions within the opposing end plates of the first, second and third thoracic vertebrae. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was detected as the causative bacteria, and discospondylitis was diagnosed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first bovine case report describing the application of CT for the diagnosis of discospondylitis.     

Parapagus Conjoined Twin Calf: A Case Study – Focused on CT and Cardiac Abnormalities

Congenital duplication anomalies occasionally occur in both humans and animals. Although various forms of classification of these conjoined twins exist, each case should be considered as an individual. In the case study presented a Holstein Frisian calf, born alive after 281 days of normal gravidity was investigated by computed tomography (CT) and subsequent dissection. The calf could be classified as a parapagus dicephalus tetrabrachius. It exhibited two heads each of them with a complete cervical spine leading to a complete thoracic and lumbar spine and separate tails. Looking at the point of fusion, the twin was conjoined in the ventrolateral thoracic part of the body. The calf had two thoraces with four forelimbs and two pelvic limbs on a single pelvis. As two heads and thoraces were present, beginning at the oral cavity, two intestinal systems were observable leading to a fusion point at the ascending part of the duodenum been continued caudally as a single system. Within each thorax, two lungs and a heart were present. However, only the heart in the left thorax was normal shape, exhibiting a strong myocardium and increased size. In contrast, the heart within the right thorax was considerably smaller, round shaped, and it appeared to be spongy and not fully developed during the foetal period. Commonly, classification of conjoined twins is only based on the appearance of the skeletal system. However, in the case presented, the point of fusion of the skeletal system did not allow conclusions regarding the intestinal or cardiovascular system.     

Surgical correction of a diaphragmatic hernia in a newborn calf

A 2-day-old Holstein calf was admitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) in St-Hyacinthe for respiratory distress. Thoracic auscultations revealed asymmetric lung sounds. A diaphragmatic hernia was diagnosed on thoracic radiographs. Herniorrhaphy was performed; postoperative recovery was uneventful. This case indicates that diaphragmatic hernia in calves can be surgically treated successfully.     

Complex vertebral malformation in a stillborn Holstein calf in Japan

A female stillborn Holstein calf with shortened cervical and thoracic regions, protrusion of the tongue, and bilateral symmetric flexural contraction of the anterior limbs was delivered on gestation day 281. Multiple hemivertebrae, fused and misshaped vertebrae, synostosis and scoliosis of cervical, thoracic and lumbar vertebral column were found in the affected calf by radiographic and computed tomographic (CT) analysis. Ten pairs of ribs were present and the sternum consisted of 9 sternebrae. Multiple morphologic abnormalities including fusion, malformation, and displacement, were found in the ribs and sternum. Cardiac anomalies, including atrial septal defect and hypertrophy of right ventricle, were observed. DNA-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis demonstrated that amplified product from the liver DNA of the affected calf had identical pattern to that associated with complex vertebral malformation (CVM) of Holstein calves and that her dam was a heterozygous carrier of CVM. The affected calf was diagnosed as having CVM based on the DNA-PCR results and the characteristic findings, and was recorded as a first documentation of CVM confirmed in a Holstein calf in Japan.     

Chromosome instability in a calf with amelia of thoracic limbs

We report here on a case of a Holstein-Friesian male calf with the congenital total absence of thoracic limbs (amelia). Cytogenetic study showed a high rate of chromosome instability, represented by chromosome or chromatid breaks and gaps in 46% of the analyzed metaphase spreads. Moreover, 12% of the spreads appeared to be polypolid. The number of micronuclei also was significantly higher when compared to control animals. This paper discusses the association between chromosome instability and limb malformation.     

The Etiology and Surgical Management of Tracheal Collapse in Calves

The mean ages of 10 calves with tracheal collapse were 2.7 weeks at onset of clinical signs and 9.4 weeks at presentation for treatment. Inspiratory and expiratory dyspnea and stunted growth were the most common clinical signs. There were abnormalities of the cranial ribs consistent with healing fractures with redundant callus in eight lateral thoracic radiographs. Tracheal collapse in calves may result from cranial thoracic trauma during or soon after birth. Short polypropylene ring prostheses made from 60 ml syringe barrels were placed on the tracheas of four calves with cervical tracheal collapse. There were cranial rib masses in all calves and resection of the right first and second ribs was necessary in one calf to allow placement of prostheses. Dyspnea was relieved in all calves. One calf died of unrelated causes in year 3, and one calf had recurrence of clinical signs at month 5 and was euthanatized. In both calves, tracheal stenosis resulted from continued growth and infolding of the trachea within the constraints of the prostheses. One calf was alive at month 11, and one calf died of acute bronchopneumonia on day 2. Removal of tracheal prostheses in calves is recommended after 2 to 3 months if clinical signs recur.     

Congenital Neospora caninum infection in a calf with spinal cord anomaly

Neospora caninum was identified in a calf with spinal cord anomaly in Australia. The calf was full-term and born dead. The caudal cervical and cranial thoracic segments of the spinal cord of the calf were asymmetric because of marked unilateral reduction of ventral gray matter and focal cavitation. Mild focal disseminated nonsuppurative encephalomyelitis was associated with N caninum tissue cysts. Tissue cysts were 16 to 35 microns X 10 to 27 microns, and the cyst walls were 1 to 3 microns thick. In an immunohistochemical test, the parasite stained with N caninum serum but not T gondii serum.     

Idiopathic megaesophagus in a calf: clinical and pathologic features

A 4-month-old female Gelbvieh calf regurgitated 3 to 9 minutes after eating hay but not after eating grain or drinking water. A fiberoptic endoscopic examination and positive-contrast radiography revealed megaesophagus. The calf was euthanatized, and necropsy revealed a dilated esophagus (12 cm long) proximal to the thoracic inlet. Histologically, the major portion of the muscular layers of the esophagus was replaced by fat cells.     

Tricuspid valve dysplasia and a patent foramen ovale resulting in severe tricuspid regurgitation and right-heart dilation in a Red Angus calf

A two-month-old Red Angus heifer calf presented to the University of Wisconsin Veterinary Care for evaluation of suspected severe bronchopneumonia. Pertinent physical exam findings included tachycardia, tachypnea, dyspnea with a significant abdominal component, and cyanotic mucous membranes. On thoracic auscultation, wheezes were present bilaterally, as well as a grade 2/6 right apical systolic murmur. Thoracic radiographs revealed cardiomegaly, most severely affecting the right side. Echocardiography showed tricuspid valve dysplasia, resulting in severe tricuspid regurgitation and right-heart dilation, as well as a patent foramen ovale. A postmortem examination confirmed the presence of the aforementioned cardiac abnormalities and revealed only mild pulmonary changes. This case report is the first to describe tricuspid dysplasia in the absence of multiple, complex congenital cardiac abnormalities in a calf, and it highlights the value of echocardiography for an antemortem diagnosis.     

Pericardial mesothelioma in a neonatal calf

We encountered an extremely rare tumor, a pericardial mesothelioma, in a neonatal calf. The patient calf showed severe abdominal distention, and died immediately after birth. The thoracic cavity was contained a huge heart with a large amount of pericardial fluid. A number of granular and cobblestone-like nodules were dispersed over the epicardium and pericardium. The nodules consisted of papillary proliferations of neoplastic cells, and the neoplasm occasionally showed mesenchymal proliferations. Immunohistochemistry revealed that they had the characteristics of mesothelial cells (cytokeratin-and vimentin-positive), and the neoplasm was diagnosed as mesothelioma.     

Spinal Epidural Abscess in Two Calves

Objective— To report clinical signs, diagnostic and surgical or necropsy findings, and outcome in 2 calves with spinal epidural abscess (SEA). Study Design— Clinical report. Animals— Calves (n=2). Methods— Calves had neurologic examination, analysis and antimicrobial culture of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), vertebral column radiographs, myelography, and in 1 calf, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A definitive diagnosis of SEA was confirmed by necropsy in 1 calf and during surgery and histologic examination of vertebral canal tissue in 1 calf. Results— Clinical signs were difficulty in rising, ataxia, fever, apparent spinal pain, hypoesthesia, and paresis/plegia which appeared 15 days before admission. Calf 1 had pelvic limb weakness and difficulty standing and calf 2 had severe ataxia involving both thoracic and pelvic limbs. Extradural spinal cord compression was identified by myelography. SEA suspected in calf 1 with discospondylitis was confirmed at necropsy whereas calf 2 had MRI identification of the lesion and was successfully decompressed by laminectomy and SEA excision. Both calves had peripheral neutrophilia and calf 2 had neutrophilic pleocytosis in CSF. Bacteria were not isolated from CSF, from the surgical site or during necropsy. Calf 2 improved neurologically and had a good long‐term outcome. Conclusion— Good outcome in a calf with SEA was obtained after adequate surgical decompression and antibiotic administration. Clinical Relevance— SEA should be included in the list of possible causes of fever, apparent spinal pain, and signs of myelopathy in calves.     

A case of an embryo transfer calf infected with bovine leukemia virus from the recipient cow

A case was discovered where the embryo transfer (ET) calf had been infected with bovine leukemia virus (BLV) from the recipient cow. The embryo was transferred from the BLV-uninfected donor cow to the recipient cow. However, the BLV test had not been performed to the recipient cow before ET was performed. The ET calf was raised in a calf hatch from birth to 1-month old and was given the recipient cow's colostrum and milk artificially. The ET calf was raised with the two other calves from a 1-month old to a 6-month old. The BLV test was performed to the ET calf by agar gel precipitation (AGP) and passive haemagglutination (PHA) assay when the ET calf was 6 months old. Because the ET calf was positive, the BLV test was performed to the recipient cow, the two other calves raised with the ET calf and the two dams of the two other calves. Because the recipient cow only was positive at the time of the first test, we judged that the ET calf had been infected with BLV from the recipient cow. The importance of the BLV test being carried out on the recipient cow for the prevention of enzootic bovine leukemia in a case of ET was recognised.     

A retrospective study of dystocia-related vertebral fractures in neonatal calves

Forty-seven cases of neonatal vertebral fractures/luxations occurred in a 21 year period (1967-1987). All of the fractures were located between the 11th thoracic vertebra and the fourth lumbar vertebra; 77% occurred at the thoracolumbar junction. All but one case was associated with a forced extraction, either unspecified (53%), mechanical (28%), or manual (17%).

A weak calf or continuous recumbency since birth was the major clinical sign. Hemorrhage around the kidneys, adrenal glands, and in perivertebral muscles was a consistent necropsy finding and a useful indicator that a thoracolumbar fracture was present. In addition to the vertebral fracture, the prominent necropsy findings were subdural and epidural hemorrhage, myelomalacia, spinal cord compression or severed spinal cord, and fractured ribs. All of the calves died or were euthanized without regaining locomotory function.

     

Precursor B-1 B cell lymphoma in a newborn calf.

A newborn Holstein female calf had neoplastic lesions in the skin and within the thoracic and abdominal cavities but not in the bone marrow, spleen, thymus, or most lymph nodes. Because the tumor cells were positive for CD79a (B cell marker), CD5 (B-1 cell marker) and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (marker for immature lymphoid precursors), a diagnosis of precursor B-1 B cell lymphoma was made. The diagnosis was strongly supported by the fact that B-1 cells can develop in the fetus, unlike B-2 cells, which are produced after birth. The lymphoma was distinct from the typical calf form of lymphoma of B-2 cell origin, which does not express CD5 and is characterized by generalized lymphadenopathy and involvement of the bone marrow, blood and spleen.     

Anomalous development of the spinal cord in a calf.

A full term Friesian bull calf was born unable to stand. The dam had no signs of illness during pregnancy. In the thoracic spinal cord there was anomalous development of the central canal and a dorsally placed fusiform and longitudinal dilatation. Mild inflammatory lesions were seen in some body organs and central nervous system where they were suggestive of viral infection. Several skeletal muscles had an extended range of muscle cell cross sectional areas and some cells had numerous internal nuclei.     

Aortic valvular dysplasia in a calf.

Aortic valvular dysplasia, a congenital abnormality not previously reported in cattle, was diagnosed in a calf with a pulsating mass at the base of its neck, an enlarged area of cardiac dullness and a loud (grade IV/V) systolic cardiac murmur. Electrocardiography and thoracic radiography demonstrated that the left atrium and ventricle were enlarged. Dysplasia of two aortic valve cusps and post stenotic dilatation of the ascending aorta were identified by echocardiography and confirmed post mortem.     

Successful treatment of an intrathoracic bronchogenic cyst in a Holstein-Friesian calf

A 5-½-month-old female Holstein-Friesian calf was presented with a history of recurring ruminal tympany and poor development. The absence of lung sounds on the right hemithorax suggested a right-sided intrathoracic pathology. Radiography and computed tomography revealed a large thin-walled cavernous lesion with a gas-fluid interface which almost completely filled the right thoracic cavity. Fluid aspirated from the lesion was clear, yellowish and odorless. These findings led to the diagnosis of a bronchogenic cyst. Thoracotomy was performed under general anesthesia. The cyst strongly adhered to the adjacent lung tissue. After removal of the free wall, the adjacent lung tissue was sealed using surgical stapling instruments, and the non-removable part of the wall was curetted and rinsed. The intensive postoperative management included antibiotic therapy, oxygen supplementation and regional lidocaine infusion. Anti-inflammatory drugs were administered for further pain control. The calf recovered well and was released from the clinic on postoperative day 11. Intra- or extrathoracic bronchogenic cysts result from abnormal budding during the embryonic development of the tracheobronchial system. Successful treatment of this calf despite the size of the lesion and the invasive character of the surgical intervention indicates that resection of bronchogenic cysts in cattle may be an option for valuable animals.     

Complete diphallia, imperforate ani (type 2 atresia ani), and an accessory scrotum in a 5-day-old calf.

A 5-day-old Angus calf was submitted to the necropsy service at the University of Kentucky Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center. At birth, the calf was noted to have 2 scrota. Five days post-calving the calf developed severe tenesmus and an umbilical infection. Clinical examination revealed atresia ani. At necropsy, complete diphallus, imperforate ani (type 2 atresia ani), and remnants of 2 scrota were identified. This report describes the gross pathologic appearance of a rare case of complete diphallia, imperforate ani (type 2 atresia ani), and an accessory scrotum in a 5-day-old calf.     

Case report: an exceptional case of a monozygotic thoracopagus parasiticus in a German Holstein calf

A black and white German Holstein calf displayed a complex double malformation in shape of a thoracopagus parasiticus. By means of a molecular genetic investigation the genesis of the malformation from one zygote could be demonstrated. Both vertebral columns showed a pronounced lordosis, with the vertebral column of one animal ending in a rudimentary head. Close to this rudiment two derivates of branchial arches were found. The two thoracic cavities merged into one "thorax". In the shared thoracic cavity one heart was found. In its right atrium, a cherry-sized structure was found in which heart- and vascular smooth muscles were demonstrated histologically. The aorta split shortly after its origin to provide both animals with one aorta each. The larger pair of lungs was connected with a trachea leading to the head while the smaller pair of lungs originated from a trachea deriving from the rudimentary head. The diaphragm jejunum and split afterwards. The pedigree of the affected animal showed neither inbreeding nor any other affected animal.