title: Brachyspina syndrome in a Holstein calf.
abstract: A stillborn premature Holstein calf was necropsied. The calf had severely reduced body weight and shortening of the vertebral column. The limbs appeared long and thin. Radiography and computer tomography scanning were performed, demonstrating malformation of the vertebral column. In addition, malformation of the kidneys, testicles, and heart was found at necropsy. Histologically, absence or incomplete development of intervertebral discs and complete or partial fusion of the epiphyses of adjacent vertebrae were found. In some areas, diaphyses of adjacent vertebrae were fused due to absence of epiphyses and intervertebral discs. Disturbed ossification of epiphyses in the appendicular skeleton was also present. The etiology of this syndrome was not identified. An inherited cause is possible due to a close relationship between the parents.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Bülowsvej 17, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark. jager@kvl.dk
authors.forename: Jorgen S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Agerholm
authors.forename: Fintan
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: McEvoy
authors.forename: Jens
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Arnbjerg
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000151:congenital* / Q000235:genetics; D008297:Male; D013131:Spine / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000473:pathology*; D050497:Stillbirth / Q000662:veterinary*