[Aortic thrombosis in a calf]

A two month-old female Simmental calf was presented with sensomotoric dysfunction and recumbency. Neurologic examination revealed dysfunction of the cerebral cortex and paralysis of both hind limbs. Examination of the skeletal system revealed a marked reduction of the skin temperature of both hind limbs and the absence of femoral pulse. Examination of cerebrospinal fluid yielded physiological parameters. The radiographic examination of the vertebral column, hip and femur on both sides revealed no evidence of alteration of the bone structures. Thiamine pyrophosphate test indicated thiamine deficiency. Based on these findings a tentative diagnosis of cerebrocortical necrosis and aortic thrombosis were made and the animal was euthanised. Post mortem examination yielded thrombosis of the abdominal aorta cranial to the branching of the iliac arteries and consecutive necrosis of the skeletal muscle of the hind limbs. Possible causes of pathogenesis are discussed.