Most calves are born without intervention, typically nursing on their own without significant attention from caretakers. They often adapt to their environment quickly, becoming productive members of the herd.
However, some experience leg issues at birth, specifically contracted or lax tendons. Contracted tendons cause calves to “knuckle over” and walk on their fetlocks or knees, while lax tendons result in lowered fetlocks, causing them to walk on their heels with toes pointing upward. These conditions may vary from mild – with calves walking virtually normally – to severe cases where standing is difficult or impossible.
Sorting through confusing causes
“When we consider these contracture and laxity issues in newborns, it’s important to clarify it’s more than just tendons,” says Andrew Niehaus, DVM, from the department of veterinary clinical sciences at Ohio State University. “It’s also soft tissue problems, joint capsules contracted on the back side or abnormalities where the bony structures aren’t formed properly, impacting a calf’s ability to extend their legs and hooves fully.”
Niehaus explains that it’s difficult to assess these features in neonates using radiographs, as their bones are mostly cartilage and don’t appear clearly. Even with today’s technological advances, it is challenging to determine the viability of articular surfaces.
He views laxity as even harder to clarify. This condition tends to be more related to weakness and inability to bear weight, displaying as a muscle weakness rather than a tendon problem. Niehaus admits we don’t yet have a firm grasp on the pathogenesis of this concern.
Russ Daly, an extension veterinarian with South Dakota State University, hasn’t encountered many controlled projects on newborn leg concerns, meaning most expert speculation on causes, preventions and treatments is based largely on experience and educated guesses.
“We do understand in gestational development, the bones in the limbs can grow faster than the tendons, causing the shorter tendons to contract and tighten the joints,” Daly says. “A partial cause is bone development, but we typically circle back to a mismatch between the room available in the uterus for the calf to develop and the fetus’s size. It would seem natural for the uterus to adapt to size demands, but this doesn’t always appear to be the case.”
Niehaus agrees and adds, “Especially an overly large calf in utero can lead to contracted tendons, as they’re all scrunched up in a ball without the ability to stretch their legs out in key stages of development. This tighter environment restricts the natural growth process.”
Assessing the genetic factor
Daly believes the condition may be heritable and passed down from the sire or dam, but it usually occurs sporadically and isn’t typically a cause for concern. Often, it appears in larger, faster-growing calves and isn’t necessarily a genetic bone and tendon defect.
“It would be a little like throwing the baby out with the bathwater if we tried to select for parents that didn’t throw any calves like this, as these bulls and cows usually pass down other benefits we want, such as vigor and growth,” Daly says.
Treatments and splinting
Niehaus says splinting or casting contracted tendons, forcing them to extend, usually helps improve the condition as it straightens and strengthens the leg.
Unfortunately, over time, splinting and decreasing the joint motion may also induce laxity.
“Be aware splinting may have a varied effect,” Niehaus says. “The immobilization factor of the physical forces pushing on the tendons to stretch them out tends to invite laxity over time. Attached muscles and bones become a little weaker. Like anything else, without a reasonable structure, weakness sets in.”
Daly recommends treating calves with contracted flexors by splinting the affected limb and gently stretching it.
“Keeping the splint on continuously for the first few days helps, but watch for skin irritation,” he says. “Restrict movement initially, then encourage exercise as it improves. Putting the affected pair in a larger pen helps promote activity.”
Early intervention while balancing care
He believes early intervention is vital, as waiting too long allows contractures and scar tissue to develop. For milder cases, regular manual stretching and extension may be sufficient. Most recover well, provided they put weight on the toe and stretch the leg naturally. In more severe situations, veterinarians may use wooden toe blocks to help direct weight onto the toe, aiding recovery.
Niehaus says treating tendon and tissue laxity is more challenging than contracture, which only requires stretching.
“The main thing with contracture is to stretch things out,” he says, “but how do we tighten tendons if there is a laxity problem?”
Proper nutrition, selenium and exercise help, but a balance is necessary.
“It’s a fair point to argue that exercise will stretch the soft tissues even more,” Niehaus says. “The counterargument is that it makes the animal stronger all around. The more exercise, the more muscle mass, the more likely that it gains strength and becomes less lax.”
Splints may be used if laxity leads to trauma, such as dewclaws contacting the ground, but overuse can worsen laxity and perpetuate weakness.
Speculations about laxity causes typically include nutritional issues during gestation and, in some areas, vitamin and selenium deficiencies.
“When we see these cases, especially the more severe ones, providing some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is a good idea,” Daly says. “Keep a strict control on them, as they can be hard on newborn kidneys, but we want to encourage the use of these limbs. If it’s too painful, they won’t move around, which limits their activity and their eventual healing.”
Managing tendon contracture and laxity requires a balanced approach that considers both the benefits and risks of splinting, exercise and medical intervention. Early detection and appropriate treatment, including splinting, stretching and addressing nutritional deficiencies, are crucial for successful recovery. While splints and NSAIDs can play a supportive role, individualized care ensures calves regain strength and mobility without introducing new complications. Consult a trusted veterinarian for guidance to help newborns achieve the best possible outcomes and long-term soundness.
