Fracture of the extensor process of the distal phalanx in a bull and a cow.
Two cases of extensor process fracture of the distal phalanx in the forelimb in a Holstein bull and a lactating Holstein cow are described. Each animal showed acute onset of severe lameness with a gait characterised by lengthening of the cranial phase of the step in order to place more weight on the heel. Mild swelling and a localised pain response upon application of deep pressure above the coronet were also observed. A definitive diagnosis was made by radiography with complementary ultrasonography, which provided the best definition of the fracture fragment over the dorsal aspect of the distal interphalangeal joint. Applying a wooden block to a sound claw for three weeks was curative and provided a good prognosis in both cases.
Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Rakuno Gakuen University, 582 Midorimachi, Bunkyodai, Ebetsu, Hokkaido, 069-8501, Japan. k-tgc@rakuno.ac.jp
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K
Taguchi
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Nakamura
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K
Hyakutake
D000818:Animals; D002370:Casts, Surgical / Q000662:veterinary; D002417:Cattle / Q000293:injuries*; D005260:Female; D005552:Forelimb; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000662:veterinary*; D006724:Hoof and Claw / Q000293:injuries; D007794:Lameness, Animal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D014033:Toe Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography