Hypothesis 1


Traumatic fracture at birth due to use of obstetrical chains and calf jacks Š couldbe 
attributable to poor birthing technique--improper use of equipment or pulling too hard; 
also possible damage to growth plate causing limb deformity


Hypothesis 2


Congenital conformational problem predisposing calf to injury during forced extraction Š 
possibly weak bones/joints; also, large breed calf, so maybe didnÕt have enough room in 
uterus to develop properly; possible genetic problems (conformational and otherwise) 
associated with embryo-transferred calves; possibility of decreased or absent calcification 
of joints


Hypothesis 3

Systemic inflammatory/infectious problem, either introduced during extraction procedure 
or acquired after birth and localized in left front limb; bacterial osteomyelitis?