Prognosis


Fractures that occur shortly after birth as a result of trauma usually have a favorable prognosis unless the site is open and subsequently becomes infected as in this case.  Calves have a great ability to produce periosteal new bone and produce substantial calluses quickly.  Therefore, once this fracture is properly realigned the healing should occur in 3 weeks if the infection can be controlled.  His prognosis depends on the decisions made by his owner and the willingness to pursue more aggressive, costly and time consuming treatments.  The evidence of impaired vascular supply decreases his prognosis even further.