Related Experiment Videos
Cervico-thoracic vertebral osteomyelitis in 14 calves
A M Healy1, M L Doherty, M L Monaghan
1Department of Large Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Ballsbridge, Ireland.
Veterinary Journal (London, England : 1997)
|January 1, 1998
Summary
This study investigated cervico-thoracic vertebral osteomyelitis in calves, finding Salmonella dublin was frequently isolated from affected vertebrae. Most calves presented with neurological signs and pain, often requiring euthanasia.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Bovine Pathology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Cervico-thoracic (C-T) vertebral osteomyelitis is a significant condition in young cattle.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and outcomes of cervico-thoracic vertebral osteomyelitis in calves.
- To identify causative agents, particularly bacterial pathogens.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series of 14 calves with C-T vertebral osteomyelitis over six years.
- Clinical data collection, physical examination findings, and diagnostic imaging (radiology).
- Post-mortem examination and microbiological culture for pathogen identification.
Main Results:
- Onset of clinical signs occurred between 2 and 9 weeks of age, with no breed or sex predisposition.
- Common signs included forelimb weakness, hypotonia, hyporeflexia, and neck pain.
- Salmonella dublin was isolated from 80% (8/10) of calves examined post-mortem.
Conclusions:
- Cervico-thoracic vertebral osteomyelitis in calves presents with characteristic neurological deficits and pain.
- Salmonella dublin is a likely primary pathogen in these cases.
- Prognosis is often poor, with a high mortality rate necessitating euthanasia in many instances.