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Chronic lesions of thrombo-embolic meningo-encephalomyelitis in calves
H Yamasaki1, T Umemura, M Goryo
1Department of Comparative Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
Abstract:
Six calves showed neurological signs with recumbency for 5 to 30 days. Histologically, they had encephalomyelitis characterized by multiple minute foci of malacia and perivascular microgliosis throughout the central nervous system. Widespread degeneration of the white matter was also detected mainly in the spinal cord. Micro-abscesses and thrombophlebitis, which were occasionally observed in the malacic lesions, suggested that the disease was a feature of infectious thrombo-embolic meningo-encephalomyelitis modified by various factors, including antibiotic therapy.
Insights
Neurological signs in calves were linked to encephalomyelitis, characterized by brain lesions and white matter degeneration. This suggests a modified infectious thrombo-embolic meningo-encephalomyelitis, possibly influenced by antibiotic treatments.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Pathology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Neurological disorders in calves can significantly impact animal health and agricultural productivity.
- Encephalomyelitis, an inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, presents a diagnostic challenge in young cattle.
- Understanding the pathological basis of neurological signs is crucial for effective treatment and disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To histologically characterize the central nervous system lesions in calves exhibiting neurological signs.
- To investigate the potential causes and contributing factors of the observed encephalomyelitis.
- To explore the relationship between clinical presentation and pathological findings in affected calves.
Main Methods:
- Histopathological examination of central nervous system (CNS) tissues from six calves with neurological signs.
- Microscopic analysis for lesions such as malacia, microgliosis, white matter degeneration, micro-abscesses, and thrombophlebitis.
- Correlation of histological findings with clinical signs, including recumbency duration.
Main Results:
- Six calves presented with neurological signs and recumbency lasting 5 to 30 days.
- Histology revealed encephalomyelitis with multiple foci of malacia and perivascular microgliosis throughout the CNS.
- Widespread white matter degeneration, primarily in the spinal cord, was observed, along with occasional micro-abscesses and thrombophlebitis.
Conclusions:
- The observed pathology suggests a form of infectious thrombo-embolic meningo-encephalomyelitis in calves.
- Lesions indicate widespread inflammation and tissue damage within the central nervous system.
- Factors such as antibiotic therapy may have modified the clinical and pathological presentation of the disease.