Probable occurrence of black leg in a sucker dairy calf: the necessity of providing sufficient maternal antibody in endemic regions

Black leg has been reported in a variety of animals, but is ofthe most importance in cattle and sheep. A20 days old Holsteindairy calf was examined because of anorexia and lameness from2 days ago. The calf was depressed, tachypneic, tachycardic, andhad a body temperature of 38.5ºC. Both hind limbs proximal tothe tarsal joint were markedly swollen, firm and painful. Nocrepitation was noted on palpation. The calf had bruxism, stiffnessof gait and unwillingness to move. At necropsy, massivenecrosis of thigh muscles which caused dark discolorated tissuewith metallic sheen, large amount of thin sanguineous exuda andabundant gas bubbles were evident in the underlying tissues.Histopathologic examination revealed extensive degenerationand coagulative necrosis of muscle fibers and supported adiagnosis of black leg. No vaccination against Clostridiumchauvoei was applied in the herd and the calf did not receivenotable maternal antibody. Providing sufficient maternalantibody or early vaccination of the susceptible newborn calvesshould be considered in the endemic regions.