Bovine neurology cases (Proceedings)

Case 1

Herd of 150 Angus crossbred cows, gave birth to these calves. A calf with similar signs was born last year and died due to misadventure. Cows are normal in every way. Calves usually somewhat improved. Postmortem on calf last year was grossly unremarkable. Work-up on these is non-specific.

Case 2

Group of 60 Holstein heifers raised as replacements out on pasture. Two heifers are recumbent on farm, these were presented for examination. Nothing has died. Recumbent heifers still eat, drink normally. On physical examination, no other remarkable findings were noted. Cranial nerves were normal. These heifers still had an appetite. No significant laboratory abnormalities were noted.

Case 3

4-month old show heifer prospect presented for gradually worsening "lameness" or ataxia of 10 days duration. No other abnormalities noted.

Case 4

10-month old heifer presented for acute onset clinical signs. Recently increased feed. No remarkable laboratory abnormalities.

Case 5

Calf presented for acute onset clinical signs. The calf is 3-months old, and was out with dam on pasture. No history of abnormal birth, or other disease problems prior to presentation.

Case 6

These calves were presented at 3 days of age. The signs you see were present at birth according to the owner. The dam of these twins was part of a group of cows purchased over the past 2 years. Supposedly, this cattle herd was well vaccinated. We came to find out, however, that she had not been vaccinated on this particular farm.

Case 7

This yearling heifer was presented for a two day history of ataxia. The owner thought she may have been blind for a short period of time. When we got her off the trailer, however, she appeared to have vision, although it was possibly limited. Another heifer at the farm was recumbent and had been similarly affected prior to her progression to recumbency. The owner treated with LA 200 on the first day they noticed clinical signs.

Case 8

4 day-old calf born uneventfully. Herd is well vaccinated. Calf nursed and is bright and alert otherwise.

Case 9

Three week-old calf presented for the major clinical sign after it was noticed 1 week ago. The calf was a product of dystocia, as it was "hip locked" for a period of time. The calf did nurse and is normal in every other way.

Case 10

Yearling heifer presented for history of recumbency for 7 days duration. Prior to going down, heifer appeared healthy. Heifer maintained good appetite and drank water. On physical and neurologic exam, heifer had slow palpebral reflexes and corneal reflexes bilaterally, but was visual. No other cranial nerve problems noted. Generalized hypotonia and hyporeflexia. Interpretation was generalized weakness.