Triple nostrils in a calf

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Comparative Anatomy
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Nasal abnormalities are uncommon in bovine populations.
• Human nasal deformities include proboscis lateralis and supernumerary nostrils.
• This case investigates triple nostrils in a calf using advanced imaging.

Observation:

• A female Holstein calf presented with a rare triple nostril condition.
• Physical examination revealed a small, blind-ended middle nostril and a hairy muzzle.
• Imaging confirmed nasal bone transformation and a unique nasal septum structure.

Findings:

• Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and endoscopy were employed.
• The calf exhibited a median blind-ended nostril and nasal septum abnormalities.
• Findings were comparable to human supernumerary nostril presentations.

Implications:

• This is the first documented instance of triple nostrils in a calf.
• Advanced imaging is crucial for understanding the etiology of such rare conditions.
• This case contributes to comparative studies of congenital nasal anomalies.