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Published on: November 8, 2024
A retrospective study of dystocia-related vertebral fractures in neonatal calves
Insights
Neonatal vertebral fractures, often at the thoracolumbar junction, are linked to forced extraction. These severe spinal injuries in calves typically result in death or euthanasia due to neurological damage.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Neurology
- Neonatal Pathology
Background:
- Neonatal vertebral fractures and luxations are rare but severe conditions in calves.
- Understanding the causes and outcomes is crucial for veterinary diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence, location, causes, and necropsy findings of neonatal vertebral fractures/luxations.
- To identify key indicators of these spinal injuries in neonatal calves.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case review of 47 neonatal calves over a 21-year period (1967-1987).
- Analysis of fracture locations, association with birth procedures, clinical signs, and necropsy findings.
Main Results:
- All 47 fractures/luxations occurred between the 11th thoracic and 4th lumbar vertebrae, with 77% at the thoracolumbar junction.
- Forced extraction (unspecified, mechanical, or manual) was associated with all but one case.
- Consistent necropsy findings included hemorrhage near kidneys/adrenals and perivertebral muscles, subdural/epidural hemorrhage, myelomalacia, and spinal cord damage.
Conclusions:
- Forced extraction is a significant risk factor for neonatal vertebral fractures/luxations in calves.
- Hemorrhagic findings at necropsy are strong indicators of thoracolumbar spinal injury.
- These severe spinal injuries invariably lead to poor outcomes, with affected calves dying or being euthanized.
Abstract:
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.
