Kvet Forum
Well-known member
Considered as the most prevalent musculoskeletal abnormality of neonatal calves, congenital contraction of the flexor tendons in this neonatal Hereford crossbred calf (below) has caused excessive flexion of the carpal and fetlock joints in the forelimbs. The hind legs are placed under the body to improve weightbearing. The affected joints may be manually extended. Pectoral amyotonia is frequently present. Some forms of the condition are inherited through an autosomal recessive gene.
Contracted foreleg flexor tendons (Hereford cross)
Management:
Mild cases recover without treatment, although affected calves should be regularly lifted into the standing position as a form of physiotherapy. Moderate cases can be splinted, and severely affected calves may need surgery (tenotomy of one or both flexors). The prognosis is poor if marked carpal flexion is present.
Contracted foreleg flexor tendons (Hereford cross)
Management:
Mild cases recover without treatment, although affected calves should be regularly lifted into the standing position as a form of physiotherapy. Moderate cases can be splinted, and severely affected calves may need surgery (tenotomy of one or both flexors). The prognosis is poor if marked carpal flexion is present.