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<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Contracted tendons are the most common limb abnormality seen in newborn calves.\u00a0 They cause the legs to be flexed in position, or knuckled over and make it difficult for the newborn calf to stand and to nurse.\u00a0 Contracted tendons have several potential causes, including physical, genetic, nutritional, or viral in nature.\u00a0\u00a0 In most cases, contracted tendons are a physical consequence of a large calf that may have been forced to keep its legs in a flexed position during the last few weeks of gestation.<\/p>\n
Treatment for contracted tendons depends on the cause and the severity of the limb flexion.\u00a0 The earlier these calves are treated, the better the prognosis will be.\u00a0 In mild cases, simply flexing the limb manually several times a day can stretch the tendon enough that the calf can put the tip of its hoof on the ground.\u00a0 In some cases, the affected limb must be splinted or put in a cast to keep it extended until the tendons stretch out.\u00a0 More severe cases may require surgery to cut or release the flexed tendon.\u00a0 Care should also be taken to ensure the calf can stand and nurse.\u00a0 Be sure to consult your veterinarian if you have a calf born with contracted tendons to rule out genetic, nutritional, or viral causes of limb abnormalities which may affect the rest of your herd.<\/p>\n
The most common limb abnormality in calves Contracted tendons are the most common limb abnormality seen in newborn calves.\u00a0 They cause the legs to be flexed in position, or knuckled over and make it difficult for the newborn calf to … Continue reading <\/a><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"