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Hydromyelia in a Japanese Black calf
Konosuke Otomaru1, Keisuke Ono2, Kenta Wataya1
1Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan.
The Journal of Veterinary Medical Science
|October 31, 2017
Summary
A Japanese Black calf diagnosed with lumbar hydromyelia, a rare spinal cord condition, showed neurological deficits. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) proved effective in diagnosing this myelodysplasia.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Comparative Pathology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Hydromyelia, a congenital condition characterized by a fluid-filled cavity within the spinal cord, can lead to neurological deficits in young animals.
- Clinical signs in affected calves may include hind limb weakness and abnormal reflexes, impacting mobility.
- Previous reports of hydromyelia in cattle are limited, especially in the Japanese Black breed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first case of hydromyelia in a Japanese Black calf.
- To describe the clinical, pathological, and diagnostic imaging findings of this condition.
- To evaluate the utility of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in diagnosing spinal cord hydromyelia.
Main Methods:
- Clinical and neurological examinations were performed on a calf exhibiting hind limb dysfunction.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was utilized to visualize the spinal cord.
- Post-euthanasia, necropsy and histopathological examinations were conducted for definitive diagnosis.
Main Results:
- The calf presented with hyperactive reflexes in both hind limbs, indicative of upper motor neuron involvement.
- MRI revealed a T2-weighted hyperintense cavity within the lumbar spinal cord (L3-L4).
- Histopathology confirmed hydromyelia, with an open central canal lined by ependymal cells, and spinal cord swelling.
Conclusions:
- Hydromyelia of the lumbar cord was diagnosed in this Japanese Black calf.
- MRI is a valuable tool for diagnosing myelodysplasia, including hydromyelia, in veterinary patients.
- This case represents the first documented instance of hydromyelia in the Japanese Black cattle breed.
