Clinical and Radiographic Diagnosis of Sacrococcygeal Agenesis in a One-day-old Buffalo Calf

Abstract

Congenital anomalies are rare finding in calves. The present report describes the clinical and radiographic diagnosis of sacrococcygeal agenesis associated with taillessness and atrasia anai in a buffalo calf that was survived for one week. The calf was admitted 12 hours following delivery paresis, diminished motor response, diminished proprioceptive response and absence of perineal reflex. Radiographic examination revealed absence of the sacral and coccygeal vertebrae with no detectable changes along the lumbar vertebrae. Marked distension of the rectum was also recorded, the ampulla of the rectum was located approximately 6 cm away from the outer skin surface at the perineal region. Palliative surgery was made to reconstruct an anal opening and the calf was discharged for suckling, nursing and kept under observation. One week following surgery, the calf was admitted for follow up. Urinary and fecal incontinence were apparent as indicated by the presence of pasty feces around the surgical site as well as the posterior thigh. The owner had troubles with nursing the calf, the dam refused suckling and bottle feeding was not practical for both owner and calf. The calf was euthanized based on its owner request. To the author’s knowledge this is the first record of sacrococcygeal agenesis associated with tailessness and atrasia ani in a buffalo calf.