Radiology of Cattle

Radiology of Cattle

Figure 16: Radiograph of a monodactylous claw.

Figure 17: A, A Sagittal section of the digit: A, Dordal poch of distal interphalangeal (coffin) joint; B, Periople or perioplic dermis; C, coronary chshion; D, coronary band (perioplic epidermis); E, lamellae; F, marginal artery: G, zona alba; H, flexor process of distal phalanx; I, insertion of deep flexor tendon; J, distal sesamoid (navicular bone); K, digital cushion; L, deep flexor tendon; M, tendon sheath; N, podotrachlear bursa; O, suspensory ligament of distal sesamoid; P, retroarticular recess; Q, sheath of deep flexor tendon fixed in part by superficial flexor tendon; R, flexor puch of distal interphalangeal (coffin) joint. B, Phatograph of a sagittal section of the digit.

Figure 18: Radiograph of the podotrochlear bursa, demonstrating its size and location.

Figure 19: Blood supply to the digits. A, Dorsal metatarsal artery; B, (axial) proper digital artery; C, terminal arch; D, marginal artery.

Figure 20: Radiograph of an open, comminuted tibial fracture in a mature dairy cow. The fracture has been stabilized with two orthopedic plates. Despite this open fracture with prolonged exposure of the implants, the animal recovered successfully.

Figures 21, 22: Radiograph of a sequestrum and reactive involucrum in a dairy cow. The cow had evidence of pre-exixting trauma to this area. The necrotic bone was successfully removed surgically.

Figure 23: Cross-legged  stance resulting from pain in the medial digits of both forelimbs, which can be due to bilateral fracture of the distal phalanx, although in this case the etiology involved deep intradigital sepsis. B, Radiograph of a distal phalangeal fracture showing widening of the fracture line as a result of bone resorption at the fracture site and distraction due to forces exerted by the deep flexor tendon.

Figure 24: Radiograph 2 months after surgery for arthrodesis of the distal interphalangeal joint. The animal is sound at the walk and demonstrates effective bony bridging of the arthrodesis site.

Figure 25: Radiograph of septic arthritis of the fetlock in a young calf. Note the presence of extensive soft tissue swelling, gas production, and destruction of cartilage and subchondral bone. The paired half of the fetlock remains free from the septic process.

Figure 26: Fracture of the distal greater metacarpal bone at the level of chain application during forced extraction for dystocia. Although such views cannot be used to evaluate vascular supply to the distal limb, moderate to severe trauma to the major blood vessels should be expected and delayed healing anticipated. With complete vascular disruption, the distal limb undergoes ischemic necrosis.

Figure 27: Lateral radiograph of the carpus of a heifer calf treated for septic arthritis by removal of the distal row of carpal bones 7 weeks previously. Note that fusion is almost complete and swelling is minimal. This animal was fertile and able to perform normally in pasture conditions.

Figure 28: Reduction and fixation of a comminuted radial and ulnar fracture in a calf. Owing to the distal location of the fracture, the most distal screw was placed in the epiphysis (bridging the distal radial physis) to obtain stability of the fixation system. The distal screw was removed 6 weeks after reduction, and angular deformity or shortening of the limb did not result.

Figure 29: Radiograph of a fe,oral fracture in a calf showing the typical effect of dominant flexor muscles of the hip and stifle. Overriding of the fracture ends with shortening of the limb, seen here, frequently results in periosteal stripping. Note the normal appearance of the scrotum, which may be confused with callus formation in postoperative animals that have been treated with internal fixation.

Figure 30: Radiograph of a femoral fracture in a calf. The fracture has been reduced and stabilized with a plate and screws. Exuberant callus formation is seen around the posterior aspect of the fracture site. Complications demonstrated in this figure are seen as lucencies around the distal screw, loosening of distal screws, and the presence of an untreated proximal femoral epiphyseal fracture.