A Retrospective Study of Fractures in Neonatal Calves: 181 Cases (2002-2012)

The purposes of this study were to evaluate, etiology, radiological findings, treatment management, and to look at advantages and disadvandages of intramedullary nailing results of fractures in calves. One hundered eigthy one calves with fractures were used in the study. Distribution of calves was 130 Holstein (71.8%), 29 Brown Swiss (16.0%), 18 Simmental (9.9%), and 4 Charolais (2.2%). Fracture treatment was depending on the clinical findings. Conservative fracture treatment (walking cast technique), operative treatment intramedulary nailing or plate fixation) and/or amputation of the extremity were performed. To estimate of the etiology appeared that fractures of 59 (31.5%) calves had obtained during birthing due to excessive forced and inaccurate aiding, other 122 fracture (67.4%) cases were caused after trauma and badly care. Fractures were mostly happened on the metacarpal bones (60.6%) followed by femur (14.9%), metatarsal bones (7.1%), tibia (8.8%), ulna and radius( 6 %) and humerus (n=6, 3.2%), Success of fracture healing depend on timing and proper selection of treatment. This study shows that intramedullary pinning fixation give a satisfactory results of calves with fracture. © 2013 PVJ.