Hypothesis 1: Fracture of left from leg due to improper obstetrical chain placement during birth and subsequent inappropriate bandaging/casting technique. Based upon the given information, it was assumed that the calf in case 5 had sustained a fracture of the left front leg in approximately the area of the metacarpal bone. Subsequently, the leg was bandaged in a Òheavy bandageÓ for 1 month and then at that time the leg remained unstable so a half limb cast was applied for 3 weeks. Hypothesis 1 asserts that the original trauma to the leg likely occurred when the calf was pulled at birth due to its large size. Based on the photograph of the calf it appears that there are 2 gashes on each side of the left fetlock joint. Often, when farmers or veterinarians are in a hurry to pull a calf they often improperly place OB chains around only the fetlock. This is an improper placement and often results in a metacarpal fracture due to undue pressure and force placed on the bone during extraction. If OB chains are used it is advisable to loop the chain around the fetlock and then a half hitch around the pastern. We hypothesize that although this is how the leg was fractured, the after care may have been the larger problem. Typically fractures of the metacarpal bone if casted and treated appropriately heal without much difficulty. It has been recommended that first a radiograph be taken and that treatment should proceed from there. A good prognosis is expected if a long bone fracture of the metatarsus/metacarpus regions is treated appropriately in the beginning. Often under anesthesia the fractured bone may be reduced and external support may be the only device needed. Usually these fractures are casted with plaster of Paris, resin bonded fiberglass or resin impregnated fiberglass compounds. It is suggested that the joints proximal and distal to the fracture site be included in the cast to immobilize the fracture as much as possible. Distally it has been suggested to include the hoof in the cast to help in weight bearing. In this case it seems that the original Òheavy bandageÓ that was left in place for three weeks was not a sufficient means of stabilizing the fracture. Further more, after this time the leg was placed into a half cast but it was not indicated as to whether the leg was re-radiographed prior to the placement of the half-cast. It is hypothesized that the incorrect techniques of the Òheavy bandageÓ followed by the half cast may have lead to the valgus deformity and lack of use of the limb by the calf. It is also important to note that during this time no mention was made to the care of the open wounds of the leg of the calf. If is likely that these wound due to prolonged bandaging have become inflamed and infected and should also be considered as a contributing factor to the calfÕs lameness.