Frequency of congenital anomalies in cattle: results from the practice in comparison with literature

The study gives a short survey of the literature of frequently observed congenital anomalies in cattle and refers to data on cases of congenital anomalies registered in a veterinary practice over a period of 8 years and in an AI (artificial insemination) station of the Rinder-Union West (RUW) during 4 years. The frequency of congenital anomalies was estimated at 0.013% in the area of the RUW. In the veterinary practice a frequency of 0.51% was found. The most prevalent anomalies were seen in legs (39% in the veterinary practice and 21% in RUW) followed by congenital anomalies of the spine (9% in the veterinary practice and 17% in RUW). Arthrogryposes were most frequent among the anomalies of the legs with 65% (veterinary practice) and 39% (RUW), respectively, of all cases of registered leg anomalies in the respective area. Umbilical hernia and atresia of segments of the intestinum were seen in 8-30% of all registered cases. The frequency of congenital anomalies differed not significantly among paternal half sib groups. A questionnaire was proposed for the registration of congenital anomalies in progeny tests of AI bulls. A series of photographs showing the most prevalent congenital anomalies is supporting the registration form.     

Assessment of survey radiography as a method for diagnosis of congenital cardiac disease in dogs.

In order to assess the diagnostic accuracy of survey radiography for canine congenital cardiac anomalies, thoracic radiographs of 57 dogs with congenital cardiac anomalies, 31 normal dogs and 27 dogs with acquired cardiac disease were mixed, and reviewed by two independent observers, who were blinded to any patient information. The congenital anomalies were aortic stenosis (n=25), pulmonic stenosis (n=10), patent ductus arteriosus (n=9), ventricular septal defect (n=8), tricuspid dysplasia (n=3) and mitral dysplasia (n=2). Both observers were moderately accurate at identifying dogs with cardiac disease. Their ability to distinguish dogs with congenital versus acquired cardiac disease was poorer and this assessment was probably influenced by the recognition of patients that were skeletally immature, which biased observers towards a diagnosis of congenital cardiac anomaly. The diagnosis rate for specific congenital anomalies was also poor (the differential list included a correct diagnosis in only 40 and 37 per cent of cases). Radiographic signs of specific cardiac chamber enlargement or pulmonary vascular abnormalities were recognised by both observers in only 20 per cent of instances in which they might be expected. They were, however, recognised more frequently in dogs with anomalies that imposed a volume load on the heart than in dogs with anomalies that induced a pressure load on the organ. It is concluded that survey radiography is an inaccurate method for diagnosis of canine congenital cardiac anomalies because of the difficulty of recognising radiographic signs, which are not present in many cases.     

Three types of anomalous vasculature in the equine umbilical cord

Anomalies in the number of major blood vessels in the umbilical cord are well documented in man and have been associated with both placental abnormalities and congenital problems in the neonate. This paper describes 5 cases of anomalies in the number of umbilical arteries or veins within the equine umbilical cord at term. In 4 cases, the anomalies affected vessels in the amniotic part of the cord, and in one case, vessels in the allantoic part. In all the cases placental morphology was essentially normal and fetal health and post natal development were not compromised as a result of the unusual arrangement of blood vessels within the cord.     

A retrospective study of sporadic bovine abortions, stillbirths, and neonatal abnormalities in Atlantic Canada, from 1990 to 2001

In a retrospective study on 265 cases of sporadic bovine abortions, stillbirths, and neonatal deaths in Atlantic Canada (1990 to 2001), an etiological diagnosis was made in 117 cases (44.2%). The cases were divided into 2 groups: 234 abortions, and 31 stillbirths and neonatal deaths. Identified causes of abortion were bacteria (24.4%), fungi (6.8%), viruses (6.0%), protozoa (Neospora spp.) (2.1%), congenital anomalies (0.4%), and miscellaneous conditions (1.3%). In addition, placentitis without demonstrable infectious agents was observed in 17 (7.3%). Of the 31 cases of stillbirth and neonatal death, identified causes were dystocia (22.5%), congenital anomalies (22.5%), meconium aspiration syndrome (16.1%), and miscellaneous conditions (6.5%). No etiological diagnosis was made in 59% of abortions and 32.4% of stillbirths and neonatal deaths. The 3 most common identifiable causes of abortion in this study were bacterial, fungal, and viral infections.     

Congenital ocular anomalies.

This discussion provides an idea of the diversity and relative prevalence of certain congenital ocular conditions of horses. Many are not difficult to diagnose, yet curative treatment may be impossible. When dealing with owners of horses affected with unusual anomalies, responsible client service requires veterinarians to provide accurate information and to know where answers to unusual questions can be found. Again, most veterinarians never encounter all of the diverse congenital defects. As a result, the horse owner frequently receives misinformation. Hopefully, this brief coverage of congenital ocular anomalies will provide useful information and assist in appropriate communication to concerned parties.     

Hematologic Changes Associated With Serum and Hepatic Iron Alterations in Dogs With Congenital Portosystemic Vascular Anomalies

Serum and hepatic iron determinations and hematologic parameters were measured in 10 dogs with congenital portosystemic vascular anomalies. Anemia, hypoferremia, and microcytosis were present in 70%, 70%, and 60% of the dogs, respectively. An increase in hepatic iron content was observed in all dogs. These results suggest a relationship between altered hepatic blood flow and abnormal iron metabolism in dogs with congenital portosystemic vascular anomalies.     

Congenital elbow dislocations

Three categories of congenital elbow dislocations are described in the literature: humeroulnar, humeroradial, and dislocation or joint laxity with other congenital anomalies. Congenital humeroulnar dislocation is a well-defined problem that occurs predominantly in small breeds of dogs and causes severe limb deformity and dysfunction. Early reduction and stabilization are simple to achieve and have provided good results. Radial head dislocations occur most often as a result of growth disturbance of the radius and ulna. There is a lack of conclusive information on congenital radial head dislocations. Regardless of the etiology, radial head dislocation causes rather mild deformity and lameness and can be treated by conservative management, surgical correction, or radial head ostectomy. Dislocation of the elbow may occur concurrently with other rare congenital anomalies and has been described with ectrodactyly and polyarthrodysplasia.     

Post mortem magnetic resonance imaging of multiple congenital ocular anomalies in a Comtois mare

Multiple congenital ocular anomalies syndrome consists of several abnormalities mainly localised to the anterior segment of the eye. This condition, comprising iridal or ciliary cysts with or without iridal hypoplasia, an excessively protruding cornea (‘cornea globosa’), miotic pupils, retinal dysplasia, cataract, and other lesions, has been reported in several breeds and is strongly related to the silver coat colour, as a result of a dominant mutant allele at the PMEL17 locus. This report describes the macroscopic, ultrasonographic, histological and magnetic resonance imaging findings of the ocular abnormalities in a Comtois mare with multiple congenital ocular anomalies syndrome.     

Multiple nonlethal congenital anomalies in a llama

Whereas numerous congenital anomalies in South American camelids have been reported, multiple anomalies are uncommon. A young llama evaluated for bilateral hind limb lameness was found to have cranially rotated tibial tarsal bones as well as bilateral carpus and tarsus valgus and a ventricular septal defect. These anomalies were likely hereditary, and llamas so affected should not be bred.     

Pediatric abdominal ultrasonography.

Pediatric patients are commonly presented to the veterinarian because of signs referable to the abdominal cavity caused by congenital anomalies,dietary indiscretion, parasitic infestation, and infectious disease. Abdominal ultrasound provides valuable clinical information about the peritoneal cavity, great vessels, abdominal viscera, and lymph nodes,which is obtained in a noninvasive fashion and usually does not necessitate sedation or anesthesia. Ultrasonography thus greatly facilitates diagnostic evaluation of the pediatric patient. Ultrasound equipment already in place in many small animal veterinary clinics is appropriate for most pediatric cases.     

Etiopathologic findings of canine hypothyroidism.

The causes of canine hypothyroidism are varied, but most cases result from irreversible acquired thyroid pathologic changes and only a small proportion arise from congenital anomalies of the thyroid gland or pituitary. Of primary thyroid failure, at least half is the result of immune-mediated thyroiditis. Recent research has focused on the genetics and immunology of canine thyroid disease, adding to what is known from experimental and human studies. Epidemiologic and diagnostic laboratory studies continue to provide information on contributing factors and raise questions for future research directions. Serum antibodies against thyroid components are common in thyroid pathologic conditions and dysfunction, and understanding their properties and frequency is important in the interpretation of thyroid diagnostic test results.     

IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—PORTAL VEIN APLASIA AND INTERRUPTION OF THE CAUDAL VENA CAVA IN THREE DOGS

Severe portal vascular anomalies have been reported previously accompanying azygos continuation of the caudal vena cava, polysplenia, and situs anomalies in dogs and people. Three dogs with portal vascular anomalies were identified by means of CT angiography as having portal vein aplasia with portal insertion into the caudal vena cava, azygos continuation of the caudal vena cava, and interruption of the pre‐hepatic caudal vena cava. This information confirms that complex embryological defects may occur in patients presenting for congenital portosystemic shunt, and that CT angiography is a non‐invasive method of completely evaluating these potentially non‐surgical portal vascular anomalies.     

Esophageal motility dysfunction in cats: a study of 44 cases

A retrospective study evaluated cases of feline esophageal dysfunction. Cats identified had contrast esophagrams performed during a six-year period. Of 56 cases undergoing esophagography, 51 had complete records available for review. Forty-four cases were felt to be abnormal and were included in the study. Cases were analyzed for signalment, presenting complaints, and identifiable causes of abnormal esophageal motility. Response to treatment and case outcome were also reviewed. The signalment of the cases varied widely, especially in age. The occurrence of esophageal motility dysfunction was low, comprising only 0.05% of all feline cases seen in a six-year period. Forty-three percent of cases were considered idiopathic, and 57% were congenital or diagnosed with conditions known to cause esophageal motility dysfunction. The causative disease states included myasthenia gravis, mediastinal masses, vascular ring anomalies, dysautonomia, and esophageal stricture. Seventy-eight percent of those treated with medical therapy (i.e., combinations of sucralfate, H2 receptor antagonists, and either metoclopramide or cisapride) showed clinical improvement.     

Arthrogryposis associated with facial scoliosis and torticollis in German Holstein calves

In 13 German Holstein calves from two different dairy farms arthrogryposis of the front legs, facial scoliosis and torticollis were observed. Obvious environmental reasons could not be found. Chromosomal anomalies in two affected calves were not detectable. A striking feature was the high frequency of affected calves among the offspring of one natural service sire. A plausible explanation of the congenital anomalies observed is a dominantly inherited mutation restricted to germ cells.     

Single ventricle,total transposition,and hypoplastic aorta in a calf

A purebred Ayrshire calf was born with multiple congenital cardiac defects. The major defects included absence of an interventricular septum (i.e., single ventricle), transposition of the aorta and pulmonary trunk, interatrial septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus, and aortic arch anomalies. Despite the severity of the anomalies, the calf survived to 5 days of age, when it was found dead. This particular combination of cardiac defects has not been previously described in domestic animals.     

Anatomical anomalies and variations of main thoracic vessels in dogs: a computed tomography study

IntroductionThere is scarce information about the prevalence of anomalies and anatomical variations of the main great thoracic vessels in dogs, particularly in dogs without congenital heart disease.AnimalsThe study included 878 privately owned dogs.Material and methodsComputerized tomography (CT) thoracic studies carried out between 2011 and 2014 for a variety of reasons were reviewed. The prevalence of anomalies and anatomical variations of the aorta and vena cava, the arterial branches of the aortic arch and the main branches of the intrathoracic veins in dogs with no evidence of congenital heart disease was evaluated. Poor-quality CTs, CTs with thoracic pathology that impaired visualization or those of young dogs with clinical evidence or suspicion of congenital cardiac disease were excluded.ResultsEight hundred two CT studies were analysed. Eight dogs (1%) showed an anatomic anomaly. The most common anomaly was an aberrant retroesophageal right subclavian artery (n = 7, 0.8%). One dog showed a dilated azygos vein secondary to an interrupted vena cava. Three types of branching of the common carotid arteries were observed: both arteries arising at the same point (type I: n = 506/742; 68.2%), separated (type II: n = 212/742; 28.6%) or from a common trunk (type III: n = 24/742; 3.2%).ConclusionsMajor anatomical variations or anomalies of the main great thoracic vessels in dogs without congenital cardiac disease were rare. An aberrant retroesophageal right subclavian artery was the most common anomaly found. Three slight variations of common carotid artery branching were identified. These findings might be of relevance for surgical or catheterization procedures.     

Case report. Diphallus in a German Holstein calf

A diphallus was found in a German Holstein calf. Clinical examination revealed a duplication of glands penis, corpus penis and urethra, but no further anomalies were observed. Possibly, this congenital anomaly is caused by a chromosomal aberration.     

Unilateral renal agenesis associated with additional congenital abnormalities of the urinary tract in a Pekingese bitch

An eight-month-old Pekingese bitch with urinary incontinence was found to have three congenital anomalies of the urinary tract: left renal agenesis, bilateral ectopic ureters with a left cranial blind-ending ureter, and urinary bladder hypoplasia. The diagnoses were made by retrograde vaginourethrography, excretory urography, ultrasonography and duplex Doppler ultrasonography. Although urological anomalies associated with renal agenesis have been frequently observed, a cranial blind-end ectopic ureter has not, to the authors' knowledge, been described in the bitch. The dog was managed medically with a restricted protein diet because of a compromised unilateral kidney with hydronephrosis and hydroureter.     

An unusual case of urinary incontinence in an intersex West Highland white terrier

A 5-year-old neutered female West Highland white terrier dog was presented with a history of congenital urinary incontinence that had become refractory to medical management. Complex urogenital anomalies including urethrovestibular and vestibuloperineal fistulae with low vulvar position along with a penoclitoris were present. Vaginectomy with perineal urethral reconstruction resolved the incontinence.