Related Experiment Videos
Multifocal subacute necrotizing encephalomyelopathy in Simmental calves
D J Steffen1, J G Vestweber, W Cash
1Department of Veterinary and Microbiologic Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo 58105.
Summary
Multifocal necrotizing encephalopathy (MNE) in cattle causes neurological signs and brain lesions. Hereditary factors are suspected due to breed prevalence and geographic distribution.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Pathology
- Genetics
Background:
- Multifocal necrotizing encephalopathy (MNE) is a neurological disease observed in cattle.
- Clinical signs include ataxia, paresis, and sudden death.
- Pathological findings reveal symmetrical malacic lesions in the brain stem.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical and pathological features of MNE in Simmental cattle.
- To investigate potential causes and contributing factors of MNE.
Main Methods:
- Case study analysis of 24 affected cattle.
- Clinical examination and necropsy.
- Histopathological examination of brain and spinal cord tissues.
Main Results:
- All cases exhibited bilateral, symmetric malacic lesions in the brain stem (olivary nucleus).
- Commonly affected areas included the thoracic spinal cord and other brain stem sites.
- Lesions showed neuronal cell bodies, hypertrophied capillaries, and parenchymal loss.
Conclusions:
- MNE in cattle shares pathological similarities with Leigh syndrome in humans, suggesting a potential defect in aerobic metabolism.
- The occurrence within a specific breed suggests a hereditary basis for MNE.