Hypothesis 1: Dislocation of Metacarpo-Phalangeal Joint


There is evidence of limited range of motion in the metacarpo-phalangeal joint, 
likely 
caused by a dislocation of the joint.  During the difficult birth, obstetrical 
chains and a 
FrankÕs calf jack were used to help deliver the calf.  The obstetrical chains 
twisted or 
jerked the metacarpo-phalangeal joint apart, due to blunt force.  These tools 
caused 
trauma to the calf, and a metacarpo-phalangeal joint dislocation in the left 
front limb.  
The damage to this joint led to the severe swelling of the leg to twice its 
normal size.  The 
damaged cells in the dislocated joint attracted inflammatory cells (phagocytes) 
to the area 
of damage, releasing inflammatory mediators (cytokines), leading to the severe 
inflammation in the joint. The crepitation found on palpation of the metacarpus 
could be 
due to the dislocation of the metacarpo-phalangeal joint.  The dislocation of 
this joint is 
the cause of the lameness in the left front limb of this calf.  The fever (103 
degrees), is 
due to the inflammation and likely infection in the dislocated, damaged 
metacarpo-
phalangeal joint.  The elevated pulse (120 bpm) and respiratory rate (60 breaths 
per 
minute) are likely due to a combination of the stress of the physical exam and 
restraint of 
the animal as well as likely pain due to the joint dislocation and damage.