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Thromboembolic meningoencephalitis diagnosed in Natal
Journal of the South African Veterinary Association
|June 1, 1985
Summary
Thromboembolic meningoencephalitis (TME) in feedlot cattle is characterized by neurological signs and brain lesions. Diagnosis was confirmed by isolating Haemophilus somnus from affected cattle brains.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Bovine Pathology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Thromboembolic meningoencephalitis (TME) is a significant neurological disease in feedlot cattle.
- Clinical signs can be severe, leading to significant economic losses in beef production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical and pathological findings of TME in feedlot cattle.
- To identify the causative agent of TME in the affected herd.
Main Methods:
- Clinical observation of nine feedlot cattle exhibiting neurological signs.
- Necropsy and histopathological examination of brains from deceased animals.
- Bacteriological isolation and identification from brain tissue.
Main Results:
- Clinical signs included pyrexia, ataxia, posterior paresis, paralysis, and coma.
- Pathological findings revealed brown necrotic foci with hemorrhagic borders in the brain, characterized by vasculitis, thrombosis, infarction, and neutrophil infiltration.
- Haemophilus somnus was successfully isolated in pure culture from the brains of affected cattle.
Conclusions:
- The clinical and pathological findings are consistent with thromboembolic meningoencephalitis.
- Haemophilus somnus is confirmed as the causative agent of TME in this group of feedlot cattle.