Epiphysitis in fattening bulls: radiological and pathologic findings

The Epiphysitis is an inflammation of the growth plate, frequently detected in young beef at the level of the distal metaphyses in the long bones. Etiopathogenesis of the epiphysis inflamation in young beef bulls is still unclear. In literature, this pathological process is associated with rapid growing and high weight increase, physical activity and traumatic injuries, inadequate enviromental condictions, toxicosis, excess or deficiency in diet (alteration Ca/P ratio, deficiency in microelements, hypoparatyroidism), ereditary or genetic causes. This case report shows the radiological and pathological findings performed on 36 limbs of 18 young bulls fattening. The bulls had an average weight of 580 +/- 65 kg and the average age was 17 +/- 4 months. Fully slatted floor pens house on 10 bulls were used. On clinical examination the animals presented swelling of the metatarsophalangeal joint which was not painful or warm, no limb hypertermia, rapid weight loss, difficulty in keeping the standing position. Animals treated with antibiotic and/or antinflammatory medication were not included. X-Ray of the limbs were performed for all the animals, both for the clinically normal and lame, at the level of the distal metaphyses in the metatarsophalangeal joint. Pathological examinations were performed following the slaughter of the animals. Four different stages of inflammation in the distal epiphysis of the metatarsus were found in this report: Grade 0, no lesions in the growth plate; Grade 1, hyperemic areas localized on the growth plate and bone; Grade 2, multifocal lesions with thickening of the growth plate associated with the presence of whitish material of fibrous appearance; Grade 3, severe and diffuse thickening of the growth plate with bone tissue degeneration associated with the presence of whitish material of fibrous appearance. The breeding of fattening bulls on slatted floor may be a negative factor in the development of this pathology. The rapid gain weight and the hard slatted floor may induce traumatic or micro-traumatic joint lesions especially on the growth plate, causing chronic inflamation and bone tissue degeneration.