Manganese-responsive congenital carpus valgus in a calf (first report in veterinary literature)

Abstract

A 4-day-old female Iranian cross-breed calf with a history of weakness, ataxia, difficulty in moving, and congenital abnormal position of forelimbs was referred to the Veterinary Clinic of Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman. In clinical examination weakness, ataxia, difficulty in moving, and carpus valgus deformity were observed. Vital signs, hematological indices, and serum concentrations of electrolytes, minerals, total protein, albumin, and trace elements were normal, but serum concentration of manganese was low. Because of carpus valgus deformity and low level of serum concentration of manganese, congenital manganese deficiency was suspected. Manganese sulfate was administered orally at a dose rate of 50 mg/day for 2 weeks. After the treatment, all clinical signs subsided. Radiography of forelimbs after treatment revealed no abnormality. Carpus valgus due to manganese deficiency has not been reported previously, and this is first report in veterinary literature. In the present report, low serum concentration of manganese and response to manganese supplementation confirmed that the cause of carpus valgus was manganese deficiency. The pregnant cow (the mother of the present calf) had low serum concentration of manganese. She was fed on corn silage, which was low in manganese during pregnancy. The cause of carpus valgus is believed to be maternal manganese deficiency.