Perinatal rib fractures in 18 calves delivered from Holstein dams

Abstract

Highlights We diagnosed rib fractures by palpation, computed tomography, and thoracic necropsy. For 163 symptomatic calves delivered from Holstein-Friesian dams on farms in Japan, 11.0% (18) showed rib fractures by palpation. Four of five calves that were scanned or necropsied presented with pneumonia despite not having tracheal stenosis. Rib fractures decreased sale prices at a livestock market and longevity.

A retrospective analysis for criteria of surgical intervention in Japanese Black calves with respiratory signs caused by perinatal rib fracture

“…Rib fracture of neonatal calves is relatively common event in dystocia at birth, especially with forced extraction and breech presentation [ 3 , 10 , 11 , 13 ]. In the calves, a few to multiple cranial ribs are involved [ 1 , 4 , 5 , 7 , 10 ], and the massive callus formation of the fractured ribs can influence respiratory organs including trachea and lung [ 2 , 7 , 10 ]. Tracheal stenosis is the serious condition resulting from the fracture, but the patient calves develop clinical signs several weeks after birth [ 2 , 4 , 13 ].…”

“…Lateral radiograph demonstrates a narrow trachea and substantial callus over the several ribs in calves with the disease [ 2 , 10 ]. Computed tomography also helps to confirm tracheal stenosis and the affecting fractured ribs [ 4 , 5 , 7 , 12 ].…”