Multiple Cephalic Malformations in a Calf

SIMPLE SUMMARY: This case report describes an unusual congenital cephalic malformation involving both the craniofacial structures and the central nervous system in a calf referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Department of Veterinary Science of Turin (Italy). In the study, we describe the clinical and neurological examination, the analysis conducted, and the evidences at post-mortem evaluation, in order to illustrate a severe congenital abnormality that has never been reported in calves before. ABSTRACT: Congenital malformations of the central nervous system (CNS) can affect the CNS alone or the CNS and craniofacial structures. Here, we report an unusual and complex congenital cephalic malformation observed in a 3-day-old male crossbreed calf. Clinical examination disclosed a dome-shaped cranial vault, a flat face with a short snout, a median cleft lip, and increased intraorbital distance. The frontal region of the head was remarkable for a fluctuant, sac-like protrusion covered with haired skin. Neurologic findings suggested a multifocal intracranial lesion affecting the prosencephalon and the central vestibular system. While pathological and histopathological findings posited for a presumptive diagnosis of either hydranencephaly or holoprosencephaly associated with multiple congenital facial abnormalities, not all the findings could be definitely attributed to either of the two encephalic malformations alone. To our knowledge, a similar combination of severe congenital abnormalities affecting both the CNS and the craniofacial structures has not been reported in calves to date.