Flexor tendon contracture in the forelimbs of a calf: case report

Congenital flexor tendon contracture in forelimbs is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal abnormalities in neonatal calves. This alteration can present in mild, moderate and severe forms. Treatment of the mild and moderate condition can be by pharmacological therapy and physiotherapy; however, severe cases become complex due to secondary lesions in the calves and difficulty in feeding, requiring, in most cases, surgical intervention. The objective of the present report is to describe the case of a calf with severe contracture of the forelimb flexor tendons and its surgical correction by tenotomy of the forelimb tendons. The surgery was successfully performed and short times of total recovery are reported by means of a post-surgical protocol described in detail in the present document.