Craniosquise associada à meningocele em bezerra girolando: relato de caso

Abstract

Most of the genetic diseases are inherited as recessive genes and affect purebred animals. Cranioschisis refers to dysraphy, which occurs in the midline of the skull due to failure to close the cranial symphysis, which can lead to herniation of the meninges filled with cerebrospinal fluid (meningocele), where there is usually a projection of meningeal tissue. As a therapeutic solution, the surgical approach to correct meningoceles is the only one described, and indicated in cases where the cranial synthesis defect does not allow brain protrusion and there is only the occurrence of meningocele, in addition to the absence of signs of neurological alteration. The objective of this work is to report a case of a Girolando calf, diagnosed with cranioschisis associated with meningocele, presenting the clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment and clinical evolution. A polymethyl methacrylate plate was used to cover the evident frontonasal opening, molded to the bone surface, and anchored in adjacent soft tissue. The animal was kept under clinical examination, where at two months postoperatively, showed improvement of the neurologic signs. As conclusion, despite the unfavorable prognosis of the disease, cranioplasty surgery for the treatment of cranioschisis associated with meningocele, with the polymetil methacrylate plate, in this case, obtained satisfactory results regarding the quality and maintenance of this animal’s life.