Characterization of a congenital pelvic limb process in a neonatal calf using computed tomography: A case study

Abstract

This case study investigates a one-week-old calf presenting with a congenital process on the left pelvic limb near the tarsal joint, identified through comprehensive clinical, radiographic, and histopathological evaluations. Clinical examination revealed lameness, localized pain, elevated temperature, and ulcerative lesions, with the process appearing detached from surrounding skeletal structures. Computed tomography (CT) imaging, utilizing Hounsfield Unit (HU) measurements, provided critical insights into tissue composition, identifying fluid-filled necrotic regions (-72 to -4 HU), low-density soft tissues (0 to 41 HU), fibrous and inflamed tissues (45 to 94 HU), and calcified structures (104 to 292 HU). Histopathological analysis confirmed a neurofibroma-like lesion characterized by necrotic, inflammatory, and spindle cell components, with areas of increased cellular density suggesting potential malignant progression. These findings underscore the importance of integrating advanced diagnostic techniques, including clinical assessments, CT imaging, and histopathology, to accurately characterize congenital limb abnormalities in cattle.