Spina bifida, diplomyelia, and Chiari-like malformation in an Aberdeen Angus calf.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Spina bifida and Chiari-like malformation are rare congenital anomalies resulting in severe neurological signs in calves. The cause is unclear, but genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a role.

Case presentation

A one-day-old, female, Aberdeen Angus calf was referred to the Clinic for Cattle, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany, because of inability to stand. The calf had a circular hairless area located over the caudal part of the sacrum and showed paraparesis, reduced spinal reflex responses in the hind limbs, ventral strabismus, and exophthalmos. Intracranial and hind limb lower motor lesions were suspected. Radiography and magnetic resonance imaging showed a congenital absence of the sacral vertebral arch from sacral vertebra (

SUBMITTER: Korte A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12560442 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature