VERTEBRAL FRACTURE ASSOCIATED WITH TRAUMA DURING MOVEMENT AND RESTRAINT OF CATTLE

Two female Limousin calves in a group of 68 calves suffered fractures of a lumbar vertebra subsequent to moving through a chute and being re strained to facilitate administration of vaccines. One calf collapsed as it exited the chute, whereas the second calf collapsed 10 minutes a fter it: was released from the chute. Both heifers were euthanatized. The fractures, of the first lumbar and of the third lumbar vertebral b odies, respectively, were not associated with mineral imbalances. Frac tures were determined to be the result of calves attempting to escape through a gap formed by erosion of the area beneath a gate in the hold ing pen of the corral system. By moving cattle in such a way as to byp ass the gate, further injuries were avoided. The calves described here underscore the importance of the use of corral systems appropriate fo r cattle of various sizes and the necessity of maintaining properly re paired corral systems to prevent injuries to cattle.