Acquired spinal cord and peripheral nerve disease

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Neurology
• Ruminant Medicine
• Pathology

Background:

• Acquired spinal cord diseases in ruminants are multifactorial, including infectious, traumatic, metabolic, nutritional, and toxic etiologies, with neoplasia being rare.
• Clinical manifestations of spinal cord disease are contingent upon the lesion's neuroanatomic localization.
• Peripheral nerve disease in cattle typically results from injury, often affecting a single limb and frequently secondary to myopathy in recumbent adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review common acquired spinal cord diseases in ruminants.
• To discuss peripheral nerve diseases in cattle and small ruminants.
• To detail specific nerve injuries relevant to ruminant and bovine practice.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of acquired spinal cord and peripheral nerve diseases in ruminants.
• Synthesis of information on causes, clinical signs, and affected nerves.
• Categorization of diseases by etiology and affected anatomical region.

Main Results:

• Common acquired spinal cord diseases include vertebral osteomyelitis/spinal abscess, cauda-equina disease, enzootic ataxia, lymphosarcoma, polyradiculoneuritis, and degenerative myeloencephalopathy.
• Peripheral nerve injuries are more frequent in cattle, often linked to recumbency and myopathy.
• In small ruminants, peripheral nerve injuries are less common but can arise from wounds or iatrogenic administration, affecting nerves like the brachial plexus, radial, sciatic, and femoral.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the diverse causes and locations of acquired spinal cord and peripheral nerve diseases is crucial for accurate diagnosis in ruminants.
• Peripheral nerve injuries, though less common in small ruminants, necessitate consideration in cases of trauma or iatrogenic events.
• This review provides a comprehensive overview for veterinarians managing neurological conditions in cattle and small ruminants.