Palatoschisis, brachygnathia inferior and accessory mandibular mass in a Simmental breed calf

Abstract

Congenital anomalies in calves are encountered in different regions of the body. Generally, anomalies are seen in fronto-nasal, maxillar or mandibular regions. In addition several pathologies such as meningocele, cleft palate, nasal dermoid cyst, gingival vascular hamartoma are reported on the head. The aim of the present case report was to describe clinical and surgical result of palathoschisis, brachygnathia inferior and accessory mandibular mass in a Simmental calf. A 3-day-old male calf was referred with the complaint of milk discharge from the nose after suckling and an atypical structure in the mouth. At clinical examination, submandibular lymph nodes were swollen and physical examination results were normal. Oral examination revealed a cleft palate (palatoschisis), short lower jaw (brachygnathia inferior) and a pedunculated accessory mandibular mass midway between palatum durum and molle. However, the calf presented a good suction reflex. The accessory mandible was connected to the cleft palate and contained tooth-like structures. At palpation, the end portion of this mass was hard while its peduncle was soft in consistency. Radiographic exams on latero-lateral and ventro-dorsal projections of the cranium were carried out. The patient was subjected to surgical treatment; it was sedated with xylazine chloridrate (0.1 mg/kg im) and general anaesthesia was induced with ketamine chloridrate (4 mg/kg im). After tracheal intubation, general anesthesia was maintained with 2% isoflurane plus oxygen. The accessory mandible was removed by dissecting the surrounding tissues. Congenital cleft was closed through application of n degrees 0 suture silk with simple interrupted stitches. On the following day, the calf was discharged from the clinic with a postoperative recommended therapy including antibiotics (penicillin-streptomycin, 1x1.5 cc, im, for 5 days), analgesic (flunixin meglumin, 1.1 mg/kg, iv, for 3 days) and oral antiseptic (10% glycerin iode) drugs. According to the information obtained from the owner on the 15th postoperative day, calf 's appetite was normal and chewing movements were reported to be relatively good. As a result, multiple anomaly including palatoschisis, brachygnathia inferior and accessory mandible in a calf may occured in clinical practice and as in this case, the observed pathology was corrected by surgical intervention, and postoperative results were favorable.