Radiology and histopathology of lameness in young cattle with secondary copper deficiency

Abstract

The radiographical and histological lesions found in a natural outbreak of lameness in cattle, suffering form copper deficiency associated with high dietary molybdenum and sulphate, are described. Consistent lesions in the distal metacarpal or metatarsal growth plates were characterized radiographically by a widening of the physis with marked irregularity and fragmentation of the metaphysis. Microscopically, focal widenings of the growth plate consisted of tongues of uncalcified cartilage with delayed or impaired provisional calcification in the presence of active osteoblasts. It was concluded that molybdenum-induced copper deficiency in cattle is possibly not the same syndrome as primary copper deficiency of dogs, pigs and sheep, which is characterized by decreased osteoblast activity and osteoporosis.