Triple nostrils in a calf

• Main Authors: Takeshi Tsuka, Ai Saito, Yoshiharu Okamoto, Yuji Sunden, Takehito Morita, Ryo Nishimura, Yusuke Murahata, Kazuo Azuma, Masamichi Yamashita, Tomohiro Osaki, Norihiko Ito, Tomohiro Imagawa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2020-08-01
• Series: Irish Veterinary Journal
• Subjects: Calf; Computed tomography; Endoscopy; Magnetic resonance imaging; Triple nostrils
• Online Access: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13620-020-00173-z

Abstract Background Nasal abnormalities are rare in bovines. In humans, nasal deformities are mainly classified as proboscis lateralis or supernumerary nostrils. This report discusses the etiology of triple nostrils in a calf, based on computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and endoscopy. Case presentation A female Holstein calf presented with triple nostrils. The following abnormalities were observed: (1) formation of a small and flat blind-ended middle nostril between the right and left nostrils; (2) presence of a hair-bearing surface on the muzzle; (3) abnormal curvature of the nasal septum, resulting in a narrower right nasal cavity due to transformation of the nasal bones; and (4) formation of a bone-like structure within the nasal septum. These findings were similar to those of supernumerary nostrils in humans. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this represents the first description of a calf with triple nostrils. The use of imaging modalities is necessary for investigating the etiology of triple nostrils.