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This bulletin was written between 2000-2006 and is currently being updated, you should be aware that some of the details may have changed since publishing.
Cerebellar Hypoplasia
In-utero bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDv) infection from around 90 to 130 days of gestation causes cerebellar hypoplasia (failure of the cerebellum to develop normally). This is a common congenital abnormality for which there is no treatment.
Clinical signs
Cerebellar hypoplasia is characterised by lowered head carriage, a wide-based stance and inco- ordination, particularly of the hind legs but with preservation of normal muscle strength.
Cerebellar hypoplasia is a common congenital brain abnormality of calves.
Cerebellar hypoplasia is characterised by lowered head carriage, a wide-based stance and inco-ordination.
Diagnosis
BVD virus can be isolated from a pre-colostral blood sample.
Alternatively, characteristic histopathological changes are found at necropsy.
Treatment
There is no treatment for cerebellar hypoplasia and affected calves should be culled because they pose a risk to susceptible cattle in the herd.
Prevention/control measures
BVD can be controlled by effective biosecurity measures in a herd with no infection and/or vaccination. Scotland has recently embarked upon an eradication plan which has proven very successful in other countries in Europe. Full and enthusiastic participation by every farmer is essential for success which will bring financial and herd health returns for many farmers.
Basillar Empyema (Pituitary Abscess).
The condition occurs sporadically but is often associated with the insertion of bull rings.
Aetiology
Localised infection,following ring insertion, spreads to blood vessels around the pituitary gland, giving rise to basillar empyema.
Clinical presentation
The clinical signs are variable and necessitate immediate veterinary examination and treatment. The treatment response is good during the early stages but rapidly worsens if there are delays in appropriate therapy.
The clinical signs of basillar empyema are variable and necessitate immediate veterinary examination and treatment.
Prevention/control measures
Care/hygiene when inserting bull rings. Do not use bulldog clips inserted into the nostrils as a deterrent to cross-sucking in cattle.
Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE)
Definition/overview
Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), first reported in the United Kingdom in 1987. From a peak of more than 35,000 cases per annum, there are now less than 20 cases per year.
Clinical presentation
Signs include chronic weight loss and decreased milk yield over several weeks and a marked change in behaviour Affected cattle isolate themselves and stand with an arched back and a wide-based stance. Affected cattle become anxious, apprehensive and over-reative to sudden movements and loud noises. Affected cows may show aggression towards other cattle in the group. There is marked incoordination of the hind legs. Cows have difficulty encountering obstacles such as steps, ramps and narrow gateways. When confined in stocks, stimulation often provokes violent kicking and bellowing. There is rapid progression of clinical signs and cattle may become weak and recumbent within two to ten weeks of clinical signs first being detected.
Cattle with BSE appear detached, isolate themselves and stand with an arched back. (Compare the attitude of the calf with its dam).
Compare the appearance of the cow with BSE (in the centre) flanked by normal cows
Cows affected with BSE may show aggression towards other cattle in the group.
Differential diagnoses
Listeriosis
Hypomagnesaemia
Space occupying lesions
Lead poisoning
Organophosphorous poisoning
Hepatic encephalopathy.
Treatment
There is no treatment.
Prevention/control measures
BSE is a notifiable disease (to the local Animal Health Office). Compulsory slaughter with destruction of the carcase (incineration since 1991) and with compensation to the farmer, has operated since 8th August 1988.
Cerebellar Hypoplasia
In-utero bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDv) infection from around 90 to 130 days of gestation causes cerebellar hypoplasia (failure of the cerebellum to develop normally). This is a common congenital abnormality for which there is no treatment.
Clinical signs
Cerebellar hypoplasia is characterised by lowered head carriage, a wide-based stance and inco- ordination, particularly of the hind legs but with preservation of normal muscle strength.
Cerebellar hypoplasia is a common congenital brain abnormality of calves.
Cerebellar hypoplasia is characterised by lowered head carriage, a wide-based stance and inco-ordination.
Diagnosis
BVD virus can be isolated from a pre-colostral blood sample.
Alternatively, characteristic histopathological changes are found at necropsy.
Treatment
There is no treatment for cerebellar hypoplasia and affected calves should be culled because they pose a risk to susceptible cattle in the herd.
Prevention/control measures
BVD can be controlled by effective biosecurity measures in a herd with no infection and/or vaccination. Scotland has recently embarked upon an eradication plan which has proven very successful in other countries in Europe. Full and enthusiastic participation by every farmer is essential for success which will bring financial and herd health returns for many farmers.
Basillar Empyema (Pituitary Abscess).
The condition occurs sporadically but is often associated with the insertion of bull rings.
Aetiology
Localised infection,following ring insertion, spreads to blood vessels around the pituitary gland, giving rise to basillar empyema.
Clinical presentation
The clinical signs are variable and necessitate immediate veterinary examination and treatment. The treatment response is good during the early stages but rapidly worsens if there are delays in appropriate therapy.
The clinical signs of basillar empyema are variable and necessitate immediate veterinary examination and treatment.
Prevention/control measures
Care/hygiene when inserting bull rings. Do not use bulldog clips inserted into the nostrils as a deterrent to cross-sucking in cattle.
Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE)
Definition/overview
Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), first reported in the United Kingdom in 1987. From a peak of more than 35,000 cases per annum, there are now less than 20 cases per year.
Clinical presentation
Signs include chronic weight loss and decreased milk yield over several weeks and a marked change in behaviour Affected cattle isolate themselves and stand with an arched back and a wide-based stance. Affected cattle become anxious, apprehensive and over-reative to sudden movements and loud noises. Affected cows may show aggression towards other cattle in the group. There is marked incoordination of the hind legs. Cows have difficulty encountering obstacles such as steps, ramps and narrow gateways. When confined in stocks, stimulation often provokes violent kicking and bellowing. There is rapid progression of clinical signs and cattle may become weak and recumbent within two to ten weeks of clinical signs first being detected.
Cattle with BSE appear detached, isolate themselves and stand with an arched back. (Compare the attitude of the calf with its dam).
Compare the appearance of the cow with BSE (in the centre) flanked by normal cows
Cows affected with BSE may show aggression towards other cattle in the group.
Differential diagnoses
Listeriosis
Hypomagnesaemia
Space occupying lesions
Lead poisoning
Organophosphorous poisoning
Hepatic encephalopathy.
Treatment
There is no treatment.
Prevention/control measures
BSE is a notifiable disease (to the local Animal Health Office). Compulsory slaughter with destruction of the carcase (incineration since 1991) and with compensation to the farmer, has operated since 8th August 1988.