[Cervical hygroma in the calf as an absolute cause of dystocia. An unusual malformation possibly of hereditary genesis in Braunvieh x Brown-Swiss breeds].

Large cervical lymphocytes causing dystocia were observed in two Braunvieh x Brown-Swiss calves. The cysts were located on both sides of the neck and contained aqueous liquid. One of the animals was necropsied. The volumetric capacity of the cysts was 11 and 4 liters respectively. The hygroma are supposed to be the result of an interruption in the development of the lymphatic system resulting in the persistence of embryonic lymph sacs. Hypoplasia of the diaphragm, the pericardium and the mediastinum, and malformations of internal organs and the skeletal system were additional pathological findings. The lymphocysts and the other morphological anomalies, except those which may be explained as a consequence of cyst development are considered to be combined accidentally. Analysis of the pedigrees indicates that the lymphocysts may represent a hereditary malformation.