Lame - bovine congenital limb malformation

Question 1

What is a common congenital limb abnormality?

Answer 1

Flexural limb deformities

Question 2

What can cause flexural limb deformities?

Answer 2

Some breed disposition - Belgian blues
Limb position in cramped uterus

Question 3

What are the clinical signs of flexural limb deformities?

Answer 3

Rigid flexion, usually in forelimbs
Walk on cranial aspect of foot
Usually bilateral
Varying from mild to severe

Question 4

How are flexural limb deformities treated?

Answer 4

Mild cases can be self limiting
Physiotherapy
Walk on hard surface
Splints - more severe cases

Question 5

What is the prognosis for flexural limb deformities?

Answer 5

Good in mild cases - sort themselves out
Difficult in severe cases