Congenital recto vaginal fistula with atresia ani in a heifer: a case report.

Abstract

Congenital defects, abnormalities of structure or function present at birth, may be caused by genetic or environmental factors, or a combination of both; in many cases, the causes are unknown. The most common bovine environmental teratogens include toxic plants consumed by the dam and maternal-fetal viral infections during gestation. Congenital anomalies have been estimated to occur in 0.2%–5% of calves. In a cattle survey, the percentages for the occurrence of congenital defects were reported as the musculoskeletal system: 24%, the respiratory and alimentary tracts: 13%, the central nervous system: 22%, the abdominal wall: 9%, the urogenital system: 4%, the cardiovascular system: 3%, the skin: 2%, and others: 4%. Congenital malformation sometimes leads to perinatal mortality, and it may also decrease maternal productivity and reduce the value of the defective neonates. Severe defects results in abortion of the calf or a return to service of the calf and cow (Bademkiran et al. 2006; Belge et al.2000; Ghanem et al.2004; Ghanem et al. 2005; Kilic and Sarierler 2004; Magda and Youssef 2007; Newman et al.1999; Noh et al.2003; Rahman et al.2006).