Periventricular leukomalacia in a neonatal calf

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Neurology
• Neonatal Pathology
• Comparative Pathology

Background:

• Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is a significant cause of neurological impairment in human neonates, typically linked to ischemia or hypovolemia.
• While PVL is well-documented in human infants, its occurrence and characteristics in neonatal livestock, specifically cattle, remain largely uncharacterized.

Observation:

• A 10-day-old Japanese Black female calf exhibited astasia (inability to stand) from birth.
• Macroscopic examination revealed focal symmetrical periventricular malacic lesions in the cerebrum and suppurative arthritis in the left hip joint.

Findings:

• Histological examination confirmed the cerebral lesions as periventricular leukomalacia (PVL).
• The observed PVL lesions in the calf shared similarities in location and histological features with those typically found in human neonates.
• The calf also had a concurrent suppurative hip joint infection.

Implications:

• This case represents the first documented instance of PVL in a neonatal calf, expanding the understanding of neonatal brain injury in livestock.
• The findings suggest that neonatal ischemia/hypovolemia may be a potential cause of PVL in calves, mirroring human pathophysiology.
• Further research into the etiology and clinical significance of PVL in cattle is warranted to improve neonatal calf care and outcomes.