Complex vertebral malformation in a stillborn Holstein calf in Japan

• Published in: Journal of Veterinary Medical Science Vol. 64; no. 12; pp. 1107 - 1112
• Main Authors: Nagahata, H. (Rakuno Gakuen Univ., Ebetsu, Hokkaido (Japan)), Oota, H, Nitanai, A, Oikawa, S, Higuchi, H, Nakade, T, Kurosawa, T, Morita, M, Ogawa, H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japan JAPANESE SOCIETY OF VETERINARY SCIENCE 01.12.2002; Japan Science and Technology Agency
• Subjects: Abnormalities, Multiple - diagnostic imaging; Abnormalities, Multiple - genetics; Abnormalities, Multiple - pathology; Abnormalities, Multiple - veterinary; Animals; CALVES; Cattle - abnormalities; Cattle - genetics; Cattle Diseases - diagnostic imaging; Cattle Diseases - genetics; Cattle Diseases - pathology; CVM; Female; Fetal Death; FOETAL DEATH; Forelimb - abnormalities; Forelimb - diagnostic imaging; genetic defect; Genetic Diseases, Inborn - diagnostic imaging; Genetic Diseases, Inborn - genetics; Genetic Diseases, Inborn - pathology; Genetic Diseases, Inborn - veterinary; GENETIC DISORDERS; Holstein calf; Japan; malformation of vertebrae; MALFORMATIONS; Pedigree; Spine - abnormalities; Spine - diagnostic imaging; stillborn; Thorax - abnormalities; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
• ISSN: 0916-7250; 1347-7439
• DOI: 10.1292/jvms.64.1107

A female stillborn Holstein calf with shortened cervical and thoracic regions, protrusion of the tongue, and bilateral symmetric flexural contraction of the anterior limbs was delivered on gestation day 281. Multiple hemivertebrae, fused and misshaped vertebrae, synostosis and scoliosis of cervical, thoracic and lumbar vertebral column were found in the affected calf by radiographic and computed tomographic (CT) analysis. Ten pairs of ribs were present and the sternum consisted of 9 sternebrae. Multiple morphologic abnormalities including fusion, malformation, and displacement, were found in the ribs and sternum. Cardiac anomalies, including atrial septal defect and hypertrophy of right ventricle, were observed. DNA-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis demonstrated that amplified product from the liver DNA of the affected calf had identical pattern to that associated with complex vertebral malformation (CVM) of Holstein calves and that her dam was a heterozygous carrier of CVM. The affected calf was diagnosed as having CVM based on the DNA-PCR results and the characteristic findings, and was recorded as a first documentation of CVM confirmed in a Holstein calf in Japan.