The cause of the leg abnormality could be related to several factors:
- The position of the calf during development in the uterus or incorrect placement of obstetric chains used to assist during calf delivery with dystocia can lead to contracted tendons.
- A variety of diseases and toxic forages, including lupine, have been shown to cause congenital defects involving leg curvature.
- In rare cases, the congenital defect is due to inheritance of a deleterious or lethal recessive genetic disorder from two carrier parents.
To assist the calf in walking, the supporting of both legs with splints to keep the ankles and knees straight without bending. Split PVC pipe and elastic wrap can be used for leg splints. After a few weeks, the calf's legs might become strong and self-supportive. It is likely that the calf will have a permanent disability.
