Concurrent occurrence of congenital spina bifida, arthrogryposis, bifid tail and atresia ani in a calf

A one day old Holstein Friesian crossbred heifer calf brought to the clinics revealed a protruded irregularly round fleshy mass over the dorsal thoracic midline. Complete stiffness of both hind limbs, arthrogryposis of left fetlock joint, bifid tail and congenital closure of anal opening was recorded. On necropsy defective closure of vertebral laminae at thoracic region with prolapse of spinal column was observed. The case was diagnosed as a rare case of spina bifida at thoracic region in co-occurance with arthrogryposis, bifid tail and atresia ani.