Renal encephalopathy in a cow

A 14-month-old Holstein heifer collapsed suddenly and died. Significant gross post mortem findings were limited to the kidneys. Histopathological examination revealed a severe, chronic, diffuse, interstitial nephritis. Microscopic examination of the brain revealed a multifocal spongiform encephalopathy, closely resembling that seen in cattle with hepatic encephalopathy. As is well recognized in man, this is a case of encephalopathy resulting from renal failure.