Physicochemical changes in cerebrospinal fluid in experimental ruminal acidosis in buffalo calves

Physicochemical changes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were studied in buffalo calves before and after inducing acute ruminal acidosis by feeding crushed wheat grain. CSF from acidotic calves had a yellowish tinge with turbidity and clots. A significant increase in the levels of glucose, total protein and total leucocyte count in the CSF was observed throughout the acidotic period. Pathomorphological examination of brain revealed marked congestion, perivascular lymphocytic cuffing, chromatolysis of neurons, satellitosis and neuronophagia. The nervous symptoms observed in the acidotic animals are attributed to the changes in the CSF and brain.