Hypothesis 3:		Trauma/Iatrogenic Injury

	

	Trauma/iatrogenic injury is supported by the calfŐs parturition with the need of 
chains and a calf-jack. This equipment could have been used incorrectly by either too 
much force due to calf size or improper placement. This damaged soft tissue, bone and 
nerves in the metacarpal phalangeal region.  Evidence of fracture was noted.  Bandaging 
was applied incorrectly allowing the affected area to heal improperly because of 
malunion.  The bandage should have been placed with thecalveŐs foot in flexion.  
Without this, the laceration of the extensors healed by fibrosis resulting in fibrous bands 
connecting the elevated toes to the dorsum of the foot.  Pathologic pressure due to the 
improper bandaging and casting led to the valgus deformity.     The bandage may have 
led to infectionwhich caused sloughing of the skin.  This local infection may have 
progressed to sepsis causing an increased temperature.