Global Veterinaria 10 (4): 464-466, 2013

ISSN 1992-6197
IDOSI Publications, 2013
DOI: 10.5829/idosi.gv.2013.10.4.72149
Corresponding Author: M. Yadegari, Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine,
Islamic Azad University-Shahrekord Branch, Shahrekord, Iran.
464
Report of Congenital Syndactyly (Mule Foot) in Cattle
M. Yadegari, E. Vahed, M.S. Ashtari, S. Tavakol and F. Khamesipour
1 2 3 4 5
Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine,
1
Islamic Azad University-Shahrekord Branch, Shahrekord, Iran
Veterinary Medicine, Clinical Science, Islamic Azad University Shahrekord Branch, Iran
2
Resident of Diagnostic Imaging, Islamic Azad University Science and Research Branch, Iran
3
Graduated Student of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University Shahrekord Branch, Iran
4
Young Researchers Club, Islamic Azad University- Shahrekord Branch, Iran
5
Abstract: Syndactyly in cattle also known mule foot is a rare malformation, which inherited as an autosomal
recessive trait with variable forms in different cattle breeds. Mule foot refers to the fusion or non-division of
the two developed digits of the bovine foot. The variable expressed syndactyly phenotype in cattle is the
most often seen in the front feet, but all four feet underlying a right-left and front-rear gradient may be involved.
The bovine syndactyly consists mainly of pairs of horizontally synostotic phalanges and adaptive structural
changes develop proximal to the fused digits. A seven days old Holstein female calf with clinical sign contain
stiffness during walking and weight bearing on toes, syndactyly was observed in all of its limbs. No other
congenital malformation observed. Radiograph in DPl, DPa and Lateral were taken and radiographic findings
were include: absent proximal sesamoid bone, complete fusion in midline phalange, compact single pedal bone.
Key words: Syndactyly Mule foot Calf Radiography
INTRODUCTION Although it is a simple autosomal recessive trait, mule
Polydactyl is a genetic defect of cattle, sheep, pigs foot varies. One, two, three or all four feet may be affected
and occasionally horses. In its most common form, the and this follows a distinct pattern. The right front foot is
second digit is developed but the medial dewclaw is always first and most severely affected. If two feet are
missing. The toes maybe fused to give rise to affected, it will be the two front feet. The right hind foot
polysyndactyly. Rarely one or all four limbs have the is next and the left hind foot is last and least likely to
condition. Polydactyl in cattle appears to be polygenic be-fused. Hooves are not the only thing different about
with a dominant gene at one locus and a homozygous these cattle. The genetic form always involves horizontal
recessive at another [1, 2]. fusion of the bones of the feet. This is one way to
Syndactyly or mule foot is the partial or complete differentiate between an inherited and no inherited
fusion of the digits of one or more feet. Reported in problem. Bone fusion results in stiff and insecure joints.
numerous cattle breeds, it is most prevalent in It follows the same pattern as hoof fusion-that is, if X-rays
Holsteins and inherited as a simple autosomal of the two front feet compared, the bones of the right
recessive condition. The forefeet are affected most one usually are more fused than those of the left, etc.
often but one or all four feet may be affected genetic The second irregularity is incomplete penetrance-some
defects of U.S. cattle. It is the most frequently seen in affected animals appear normal. The hooves show no
Holsteins, but the recessive gene is present in Angus and external signs of fusion; however, X-rays reveal bone
several other breeds. The defect also found in many fusion. This is rare and these animals called escapers.
cattle breeds abroad in addition to lambs, pigs, dogs and Four groups of hoof fusion severity have been
cats [5]. distinguished [5].
foot has some irregularities. First, the expression of mule
Global Veterinaria, 10 (4): 464-466, 2013
465
Fig. 1: (a) Hooves show no external signs of fusion. (b) Hooves are partially fused at their axial coronary border. (c)
Hooves are fused but have a groove from the toe bed to the tip of the hooves and show signs of dual embryonic
origin. (d) Hooves are completely fused and show no signs of originating as normal hooves [6]
Fig. 2: Calf's syndactyly in place of birth, weighting on toes and fused digits are shown in pictures
Fig. 3: Lateral and Dorsoplantar radiographs of syndactyly in calf.
In the general population, though, mule foot animals had stiffness during walking and weight bearing on toes.
seldom live long enough to reproduce, which helps In clinical examination of the limbs of this calf, fusion of
control spread of the defect. The recessive gene is not phalanges and single hoof confirmed. This calf was born
likely passed along by affected animals but is handed with artificial insemination. During this period, calf was in
from generation to generation by carrier animals [5]. the single box and fed with milk manually and it died after
Animals affected with syndactyly walk slowly, eight days, despite of antibiotic therapy due to
usually have a high-stepping gait and may be more prone pneumonia and diarrhea.
to hyperthermia [1, 3, 4].
The genetic form of mule foot originated as the result Radiological Findings: In dorsopalmar and
of a mutation and a simple recessive gene passes along it. dorsoplantar radiographs, there was a complete fusion in
Mule foot is one of the most common. distal epiphysis of metacarpal and metatarsal bone.
Case Description: A female Holstein calf was born in one recognized, in some of them one, tow and even absence
of the industrial farm around shahrekord. We observed of this sesamoid bone observed. Moderate fusion of first
that it has on hoof in all of it limbs like equines. This calf phalanx was seen.Grows plates in proximal part of first
Difference in number of proximal sesamoid bone was
Global Veterinaria, 10 (4): 464-466, 2013
466
phalanx and second phalanx was not completely showed 3. Patterson, D.F., M.E. Haskins, P.F. Jezyk, U. Giger,
in radiograph because of fusion was occur in these bones. V.N. Meyers-Wallen, G. Aguirre, J.C. Fyfeand and
Articular surfaces in proximal inter phalangeal joint was J.H. Wolfe, 1988. Research on genetic diseases:
not completely formed. Third phalanx seen as a complete reciprocal benefits to animals and man. Journal of
compact fused bone in lateral positioning, distal grows the American Veterinary Medical Association,
palate of metatars and metacarp was not making up 193: 1131-1144.
completely. 4. Leipold, H.W., G.L. Schmidt, D.J. Steffen,
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