Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Calf born with weak back legs due to spinal cord underdevelopment
By Binanti, D et al.·Published in Anatomia, histologia, embryologia·2013·Reparto di Anatomia Patologica, Italy·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Segmental spinal cord hypoplasia in a Holstein Friesian calf.
- Species:
- cattle
Plain-English summary
An 8-day-old female Holstein Friesian calf was brought to the vet because she had trouble moving her hind legs. Imaging tests showed abnormalities in her spinal cord, indicating a serious condition where parts of the spinal cord were underdeveloped and fluid-filled cavities were present. Unfortunately, the calf was euthanized, and a post-mortem examination confirmed the diagnosis of segmental spinal cord hypoplasia, which means her spinal cord didn't develop properly. This condition is severe and typically leads to poor outcomes.
People also search for: calf hind leg weakness · calf spinal cord problems · Holstein Friesian calf euthanasia
Abstract
An 8-day-old female Holstein Friesian calf was examined because of congenital spastic paresis of the hind limbs. Myelography revealed deviation and thinning of subarachnoid contrast medium columns in the lumbar segment. Upon magnetic resonance imaging, the 'hour-glass' subdural compression appeared as a T1-hypointense, T2-hyperintense ovoidal area suggestive of cerebral spinal fluid collection, compatible with hydrosyringomyelia. The calf was euthanized and the necropsy confirmed the diagnosis of segmental spinal cord hypoplasia of the lumbar tract associated to hydromyelic and syringomyelic cavities.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23094595/