A calf with amelia

Keywords: amelia, bovine, forelimb, chromosome

Image size: 2000 x 1028px

A Holstein calf with amelia. The calf was donated and euthanized.

In humans, thalidomide is well known to cause amelia and meromelia (absence of part of a limb) but it has also been associated with genetic abnormalities. Conditions such as Roberts syndrome exist where amelia and cranio-facial anomalies are linked. Little is known about the etiology of amelia in cattle but in at least two cases it has been linked to chromosomal instability and polyploidy. See case and citation Szczerbal, I. 2006. Chromosome Instability in a Calf with Amelia of Thoracic Limbs. Vet. Path. 43: 789-792

Bovine mummified fetus

Keywords: BVD, leptospirosis, chromosome, mummy, mummified, bovine, fetus

A mummified fetus obtained from a slaughter specimen. The images show the fetus in state of autolysis where the anatomy is barely recognizable. Even after washing, the identity of the flipper-like mass seen here was not obvious; it contained no bones. The cervix was closed in this case, plugged with thick cervical mucus. The fetus weighed approximately 5.4kg and was lodged in the left uterine horn. It was estimated that the fetus was approximately 5 months of age at the time of its death. A corpus luteum in the left ovary supported the mummified pregnancy.

The mummy as presented (top) and below, partly extracted:

Image size: 2000 x 2730 px

The mummy, completely removed from the uterus.

Image size: 4199 x 2745 px

The causes, incidence and treatment of bovine mummified fetuses are elegantly reviewed by Lefebvre R. C. et al 2009. Retrospective case study of fetal mummification in cows that did not respond to prostaglandin F2α treatment. Can Vet J. 50: 71–76 Causes are numerous; BVD, leptospirosis, genetic Jersey, Guernsey and individuals that have experienced mummification before. Self cure does occur but appears to be rare. Usually luteolytic treatment with prostaglandin is effective but in some cases, even luteolysis, endocervical PGE and estrogens are not curative. In such cases, surgery or even extraction per cervicum must be used.