Spastic paresis in a Poll Hereford heifer

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Animal Orthopedics
• Neurology

Background:

• Unilateral spastic paresis is a debilitating condition affecting limb function in livestock.
• Understanding the underlying causes is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment in cattle.

Observation:

• A case study involving a Poll Hereford heifer with severe right hind limb lameness.
• The heifer exhibited inability to flex the stifle and hock, with the toe barely touching the ground.
• Physical examination revealed cranial distortion and collapse of the distal tibial epiphysis.

Findings:

• Radiographic and gross examination showed significant remodelling of the stifle and hock articular surfaces.
• Moderate to severe muscle atrophy was noted in the affected limb.
• No primary peripheral or central neuropathological lesion was identified as the cause.

Implications:

• This case highlights the complexity of diagnosing spastic paresis in cattle, where orthopedic abnormalities may mimic or coexist with neurological deficits.
• Further investigation into non-neurological etiologies, such as developmental orthopedic diseases, is warranted.
• Findings contribute to the differential diagnosis of hind limb lameness in young cattle.