Histopathological findings on ulcerative lesions of carpal and tarsal joints in Japanese black cattle

Radiographic diagnosis and surgical management for successful outcomes for osteochondrosis in Japanese Black calves

Osteochondrosis (OC) is not well recognized in cattle. Japanese Black (JB) cattle are valued for their beef and studies regarding OC are scarce. Hence, the aim of this study was to retrospectively discuss clinical and radiographical findings, diagnosis and treatment options for OC in JB cattle for successful outcomes. Medical records of 11 calves affected with OC were reviewed, retrospectively. Clinical and radiographic findings, treatment and outcomes and postmortem examination findings were analyzed. All calves had lameness. Stifle (4/14) and tarsal (4/14) were the most affected joints. Subchondral bone lucencies were observed in all joints (14/14) and accompanied with sclerosis (10/14). Radiographic grading was performed in calves. Calves were treated surgically (8/11) or conservatively (1/11). Surgically treated calves were auctioned (5/8). Postmortem examination was performed (2/11). Gross findings revealed ulcerative lesion at articular surface. Histopathologically, cartilage layer was defected at lesion. Inflammation (2/2) and granulation tissue (1/2) was also observed. In conclusion, OC in JB cattle can be diagnosed on the basis of radiography with history and clinical signs in clinical setting. Surgery should be performed in mild cases for successful outcomes. A modified radiographic grading criteria for clinical cases may hold potential in evaluating prognosis and outcomes.

Incidence and characteristics of juvenile tarsocrural osteochondrosis in purebred Angus bulls

Osteochondrosis (OC) of the bovine tarsus has been suggested to contribute to osteoarthritis. The objective of this prospective cohort study was to provide data specific to the Angus breed. Clinical and radiographic exams evaluating OC lesions, effusion and osteoarthritis were performed in 50 purebred bull calves at three time points between 5.8 and 21 months of age. The likelihood of OC was lower at a median age of 12.4 months (P<0.001), primarily due to resolution of distal talus changes (P<0.01). Significant associations were observed between medial malleolus lesions and effusion at median age of 7.4 months (P<0.001). This study suggests that clinical and radiographic screening performed at approximately one year of age may be beneficial in detecting tarsal OC lesions in Angus breeding herds.