Hypothesis 1:
Delayed Union of the metacarpal fracture that occurred during the dystocia.  

When the chains were on and the calf was pulled, a fracture of the metacarpal bone 
occurred and the soft tissue under the chains was damaged as well.  Some of the 
superficial damage may have been caused by inappropriate pressure from the initial 
bandaging and casting. As infection is evident in this leg from the draining tracts, diffuse 
swelling, and fever, all of our hypotheses include infection.  The draining tract may also 
indicate a sequestrum. The elevation in pulse rate and respiration may be indicative of a 
systemic problem, however it is likely caused by the stress of handling.  Muscle atrophy 
of the whole forelimb is also likely since the calf has not been properly using the limb for 
some time.   The thick fibrous bands of tissue on the dorsum of the foot could be 
contracture of the extensor tendons or adhesion of the tendons in the area of the fracture 
and consequent growth in an abnormal manner, causing them to tighten.  

Our hypothesis is that the bone never healed.  This would cause instability and 
crepitation.  Also, if the animal were walking on a fracture, this could cause the limb to 
bow in a valgus direction.