Reduction glossoplasty in a calf with bifid tongue

ABSTRACT

Background: Fetal malformations are characterized by anatomical changes that compromise an organ or system. Tongueformation in bovines occurs with the fusion of three structures at the end of the fourth week of gestation, and any failureduring this stage of embryonic development may lead to tongue malformation. Bifid tongue, also called glossoschisis, is arare congenital abnormality in any species and is characterized by incomplete fusion of the lateral tongue buds, resultingin a deep groove in the midline of the tongue. The objective of this study was to describe a case of bifid tongue and theprocedure of reduction glossoplasty in a calf of the Girolando breed in Tocantins State.Case A male mixed-breed (Holstein-Friesian × Gir) calf, born from natural mating in the municipality of Araguaína,Tocantins, was clinically assessed in the Sector of Ruminant Clinical Medicine of the Federal University of Tocantinsat 2 months of age. The owner reported that the animal exhibited difficulty in suckling after birth and that on inspectionof the oral cavity, he observed changes in the tongue and mandible. Clinical examination of the oral cavity revealed thepresence of a bifid tongue and abnormal fusion of the mandible in the region of the lower incisive teeth. It was decided toperform a surgical procedure with the aim of improving the animals quality of life because the owner wanted to keep itin the farm. An incision was made, followed by removal of the medial rims of the two tines of the tongue, and synthesiswas performed, joining the ventral rims of the tongue, beginning at the root and ending at the apex.Discussion: The observed lesions are compatible with bifid tongue and mandibular fissure, both previously reported inother species. The literature has no reports of bifid tongue in bovines. The etiology of fetal malformations is still unclear,and the primary causes known in Brazil include...(AU)