Frostbite in calves

Nutrition and environmental temperature are two major factors related to th e health and well-being of carves. A variety of factors predispose calves t o frostbite and hypothermia. Lesions frequently involve the ears, tail, and distal extremities; the hindlimbs are affected more frequently than are th e forelimbs. Affected calves often suffer from dehydration, metabolic acido sis, and secondary bacterial infections. Characteristic tissue changes foll owing frostbite injury include edema, subcutaneous hemorrhage, and vesicle formation. Enhanced granulocyte activation and adhesion lead to increased s equestration of granulocytes in affected tissue and the formation of microt hrombi.