Cephalomelia, from Greek for “head-limb-condition”, is a form of Polyemelia, a congenital anomaly characterized by having an extra limb on the body. The limb can be attached to various regions on the body: • Notomelia: extra-limb attached to the back bone. • Thoracomelia: extra-limb attached to the thorax. • Pyromelia: extra-limb attached to the pelvis. • Cephalomelia: extra-limb attached to the head. While rare, Polymelia occurs in humans and non-human animals, and researchers have stated that almost all types of congenital duplications described in humans have been observed in “food animals”. Regarding bovines, there have been studies and case studies over the years, but the genetics and etiology of polymelia have not yet been thoroughly investigated. Some researchers (PMID: 8457924) described polymelia as a form of conjoined asymmetric monozygotic twins. Others (PMID: 30922306) stated it as a cause of heterotopy, a change in the location of trait expression, during embryonal development. Causes for this defect are also unclear, but most likely is the result of teratogenic impacts during early embryogenesis (Reick & Herzog). Teratogenicity is the ability of an agent (food, drugs, chemicals, etc) to interfere with the proper development of the fetus. 🔬 A case study published on Flock and Herd in 2011 by District Veterinarians of New South Wales, AUS stated that 15 cases of Notomelia were reported in newborn Angus calves in the last 2 years, also referencing possible teratogenicity. 🐃 MANNY: as you can see, Manny has Cephalomelia, and he is perfect the way he is. We will not be removing any part of Manny’s extra leg at the recommendations of vets and surgical teams post head x-rays. The risk of head surgery is too great, and Manny is happy, healthy, and doesn’t know any different at four years old. Should this become an issue for him in the future, we will assess, as we would never allow him to live with discomfort. 😻 Now, can we talk about how flipping cute he is?! We love doing educational content like this and hope you enjoyed it! - @uncleneilshome