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Persistent cloaca and caudal spinal agenesis in calves: three cases
C E Dean1, C K Cebra, A A Frank
1Department of Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins 80523, USA.
Veterinary Pathology
|November 1, 1996
Summary
Newborn calves can be born with caudal spinal defects and persistent cloaca, a condition linked to abnormal cell development. Early detection of cloacal issues is crucial for identifying potentially hidden spinal anomalies in calves.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Developmental Biology
- Comparative Anatomy
Background:
- Persistent cloaca is a congenital anomaly where the rectum, vagina, and urethra empty into a single common channel.
- Caudal spinal dysgenesis/agenesis involves incomplete formation or absence of the tail vertebrae.
- The urorectal septum is critical for separating the hindgut from the urogenital tract during embryonic development.
Observation:
- Three newborn calves presented with both caudal spinal dysgenesis/agenesis and persistent cloaca.
- The cloacas were lined by a mix of transitional and colonic epithelium.
- In one case, the calf's vertebral column was found internalized within the cloaca.
Findings:
- The study suggests a link between persistent cloaca and caudal spinal anomalies in calves, mirroring findings in humans and Manx cats.
- This association is hypothesized to stem from cell loss in the caudal cell mass during development.
- This cell loss impacts both spinal column formation and the proper cleavage of the cloaca by the urorectal septum.
Implications:
- Veterinarians should suspect spinal column abnormalities in neonatal calves with persistent cloaca.
- Many associated spinal lesions may not be externally visible, necessitating thorough examination.
- Understanding this developmental link aids in diagnosing and managing congenital defects in neonatal livestock.