Approximately 4-month-old Holstein heifer calf with hyperextension of the tibiotarsal joint of the left hind limb (video).
Spastic paresis is a rare neuromuscular condition of probable hereditary origin, characterized by progressive and uncontrolled unilateral or bilateral hyperextension of the hock and stifle joints, caused by spastic contraction of the caudal tibial muscles (lateral and medial gastrocnemius). It can affect calves of various cattle breeds, both male and female, generally between 2 and 8 months of age.
TREATMENT:
1) neurectomy of the nerve branches innervating the lateral and medial gastrocnemius muscles.
2) Gotze tenotomy: resection of the superficial gastrocnemius tendon and partial incision of the perforated plantar tendon.
3) Paveaux tenotomy: resection of the superficial gastrocnemius tendon, the deep gastrocnemius tendon, and the deep sural sheath.
