ADJUNCTIVE THERAPY FOR FETLOCK FLEXURAL DEFORMITIES ACCOMPANIED BY A DEEP TISSUE INJURY IN A CALF: A CASE REPORT

Abstract

A five-day-old Holstein Friesian male calf was presented for the evaluation of severe fetlock flexural deformities with a large pressure ulcer over the right metacarpal bone. Superficial and deep digital flexor tenotomy was performed. The surgical wound recovered well, but 15 days after surgery, the skin over the pressure ulcer was starting to fall away and exposing tendon and muscle. A hoof toe-extension shoe was applied to decrease pressure on the wound. The wound had a moderate bacterial infection and slowly responded to cleansing twice a day with 0.9% normal saline, 10% povidone iodine and a topical antibiotic. Topical autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was then applied to the lesion ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]cm) twice. The wound showed rapid tissue regeneration, good quality wound healing and no complications. After PRP treatment, the lesion size decreased ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]cm). At this point, 0.9% normal saline cleansing and a bandage were applied until the wound had completely healed. This case report suggests that the hoof toe-extension shoe and topical dressing with autologous PRP, as a combination treatment, could be effective for fetlock flexural deformities with skin defects or delayed wound healing in large animals.