[Carpal joint inflammation in calves--treatment by joint resection]

A surgical method of treating purulent inflammation of the carpal joint in calves is reported. This method involves the opening of the diseased joint and the complete removal of diseased tissues (articular resection). Of five calves with various inflammations of the carpal joint and surrounding tissues, four could be successfully treated using this procedure. Following the complete removal of the antebrachiocarpal, middle carpal and/or carpometacarpal, or of all carpal joints, these joints ossified. The range of motion of the carpal joint was limited to various degrees, depending on the position and number of ossified joints. The motility of the limb was little affected in all gait types following the ossification of one joint (the antebrachiocarpal or middle carpal joint) or of two joints (middle carpal and carpometacarpal joints). Goose-stepping was seen in the limb after ossification of all the carpal joints. One calf with highly advanced inflammatory alterations in the carpal joint could not be healed, since it was not possible to completely resect the affected tissues.