Unilateral Forelimb Polydactyly (Type II) with Contracted Tendon in a Female Calf and its Correction by Surgical Intervention

Polydactyly is a malformation characterized by the presence of one or more additional digits that usually occurs solitarily or rarely together with other developmental or inheritable anomalies such as contracted tendon. A 5-day-old mixed native breed calf presented to the clinic of faculty of veterinary medicine of Razi University (Kermanshah, Iran) with extra digits (polydactyly) and contracted tendon in the right forelimb. The calf was born during normal delivery without intervention and had normal clinical symptoms in the examination. In physical examinations, an extra part was seen in the right forelimb with distinct metacarpus and digits, and also contracted tendon was evident in the main digits. Regarding the inability of the calf to locate the affected limb on the ground normally, surgical intervention was performed to remove extra digits and resolve the contracted tendon. Case follow up showed a good improvement and the calf had a normal life.