A young heifer from a Te Awamutu herd was examined in December after developing persistent lameness in her front left leg. The heifer had a draining wound on the inside of her cannon bone, and the combination of chronic lameness, age, and the nature of the wound strongly suggested a bone sequestrum—a condition where a piece of bone dies and behaves like a foreign body inside the limb.

What Causes Bone Sequestrums in Cattle?

Bone sequestrums typically occur when trauma or infection damages the bone, causing a section to die. Because the lower limbs of cattle have minimal muscle and fat coverage, they are more vulnerable to injury. Heifers are particularly at risk as they are more likely to get knocked around by dominant cows or injure themselves exploring tight spaces.

Why Sequestrum Removal Matters

Treating a sequestrum is uniquely rewarding. A heifer that has been chronically lame can often return to full function quickly after surgery, despite the procedure being relatively invasive. Restoring mobility improves welfare, production, and long‑term herd performance.

Surgical Removal of the Sequestrum

The heifer was booked for surgery to remove the dead bone fragment. On the day of the procedure:

• She was fully sedated, and the leg was clipped and prepped.
• A tourniquet and regional local anaesthesia ensured she felt no pain in the surgical area.
• An incision was made over the wound and extended down the leg.
• Numerous blood vessels required careful clamping and suturing.
• Once soft tissue was dissected away, the bone surface was examined. Healthy bone feels smooth, but sequestrums create rough, irregular, or corrugated areas due to dead bone or excessive new bone growth.
• A bone chisel and mallet were used to remove the damaged bone until the sequestrum was freed and extracted.
• The incision was sutured, and the leg was bandaged for several days.

Recovery and Outcome

The heifer received pain relief and antibiotics while the wound healed. Her bandage was checked and replaced as needed. By mid‑February, she was sound on her leg, milking well in the herd, and confirmed in calf for July 2026—a strong recovery and an excellent outcome for both animal and farmer.