Hindlimb Paralysis of a Holstein Calf Due to Vertebral Abscess of the Eighth Thoracic Vertebra Caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum subsp. necrophorum

Key Points

• To investigate the cause of hindlimb paralysis in a Holstein calf associated with a vertebral abscess.
• Clinical examination of the calf's symptoms and physical condition.
• Ultrasound and X-ray imaging to identify the vertebral abscess.
• Necropsy to analyze the abscess and affected tissues.
• Bacterial culture and immune histochemistry to identify the infectious agent.
• The presence of a vertebral abscess in the eighth thoracic vertebra was confirmed.
• Fusobacterium necrophorum was isolated from all abscess sites.
• Significant spinal cord compression was observed due to deformity of the affected vertebrae.
• Additional abscesses were found in the liver and root of the tongue.