Osseous sequestration in cattle: 110 cases (1987-1997).
OBJECTIVE
To determine risk factors for development of sequestra in cattle and identify factors associated with a successful outcome.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
110 cattle.


METHODS
Medical records of cattle treated at veterinary teaching hospitals in North America were reviewed. To determine risk factors for osseous sequestration, breed, age, and sex of cattle with osseous sequestration were compared with breed, age, and sex of all other cattle admitted during the study period.


RESULTS
110 cattle were included in the study. Three had 2 sequestra; thus, 113 lesions were identified. Most sequestra were associated with the bones of the extremities, most commonly the third metacarpal or third metatarsal bone. Ninety-two animals were treated surgically (i.e., sequestrectomy), 7 were treated medically, 3 were initially treated medically and were then treated surgically, and 8 were not treated. Follow-up information was available for 65 animals treated surgically and 6 animals treated medically. Fifty-one (78%) animals treated surgically and 5 animals treated medically had a successful outcome. Cattle that were 6 months to 2 years old had a significantly increased risk of developing a sequestrum, compared with cattle < 6 months old. Cattle in which sequestrectomy was performed with the aid of local anesthesia were significantly more likely to undergo 2 or more surgical procedures than were cattle in which sequestrectomy was performed with the aid of general anesthesia.


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that sequestrectomy will result in a successful outcome for most cattle with osseous sequestration.
Department of Large Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843-4475, USA.
L W
LW
Valentino
G
G
St Jean
D E
DE
Anderson
A
A
Desroches
K
K
Kersting
M J
MJ
Lopez
S B
SB
Adams
J
J
Huhn
P O
PO
Mueller
N D
ND
Cohen
D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D001847:Bone Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D001947:Breeding; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D008297:Male; D011996:Records / Q000662:veterinary; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000662:veterinary