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Fracture of the extensor process of the distal phalanx in a bull and a cow
Author(s) -
Taguchi K.,
Nakamura S.,
Hyakutake K.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
veterinary record
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.261
H-Index - 99
eISSN - 2042-7670
pISSN - 0042-4900
DOI - 10.1136/vr.c4006
Subject(s) - lameness , phalanx , medicine , claw , interphalangeal joint , heel , anatomy , dorsum , forelimb , distal interphalangeal joint , proximal phalanx , hoof , surgery , biology , ecology
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.