Diagnosis

	This calf has a delayed hypertrophic union of the distal one-third of the metacarpus.  His delivery was a difficult one and chains had to be applied to the forelimbs.  The force caused a comminuted fracture of the metacarpus.  Application of a bandage without reducing the fracture correctly, along with the heavy weight of the calf, caused callus formation, but the instability of the fracture prohibited primary bone healing to occur.  In addition, the bandage was likely applied too tightly, and pressure necrosis occurred.  One other possibility for the necrosis of the skin is the compromised blood supply to the area due to the crushing effect of the chains.  These wounds allowed coliform bacteria and common skin contaminants to enter and the lack of blood supply also means lack of neutrophils and macrophages and thus a compromised immune response.