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Meningitis in neonatal calves: 32 cases (1983-1990)
1Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Canada.
Summary
Neonatal calf meningitis, often caused by Escherichia coli, presents with severe clinical signs and high mortality. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for improving outcomes in affected calves.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Neonatal Calf Diseases
- Bacterial Meningitis
Background:
- Neonatal calf meningitis is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality.
- Escherichia coli is a common pathogen implicated in calf meningitis.
- Understanding clinical and diagnostic findings is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review case records of neonatal calves diagnosed with meningitis.
- To identify common clinical signs, concurrent diseases, and diagnostic findings.
- To determine the prevalence of specific pathogens and their antimicrobial susceptibility.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 32 neonatal calf case records with antemortem meningitis diagnosis.
- Analysis of clinical signs, laboratory results (including cerebrospinal fluid analysis), and postmortem findings.
- Bacteriological culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of cerebrospinal fluid isolates.
Main Results:
- The most common concurrent problem was diarrhea (16/32).
- Escherichia coli was the most frequent isolate from the central nervous system (CNS) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
- CSF analysis revealed pleocytosis, xanthochromia, turbidity, and high protein concentration, with neutrophils predominating in acute cases.
Conclusions:
- Neonatal calf meningitis is frequently associated with septicemia and high mortality.
- Escherichia coli is a primary causative agent, with observed resistance to certain sulfonamide drugs.
- Prompt diagnosis and intervention are essential, though outcomes remain poor in many cases.