Module 3.5- Neuroanatomical Disorders Flashcards
How is central neurological disease often reflected?
Predominantly by cerebral sign such as:
Release of inhibition (excited, hyperaesthesia, epilepsy, convulsions, tremors ect)
OR
excessive inhibition (Depression, head pressing) followed by neural exhaustion (collapse, coma)
Until what stage does focal disease of the cerebrum often remain undetected?
Until terminal stages, particularly in livestock. With the exception of epilepsy and brain tumours in small animals
Describe Glassers disease
Pigs found laying flat on their sides showing nystagmus (involuntary eye movement), extension of limbs and opisthotonos (Spasms of muscles causing backward arching of the head, neck and spine). Can be caused by meningitis
What is the characteristic gait of cerebellar disease?
Goose-stepping. Overextended movement, particularly if the forelimbs. Due to the release of upper motor neuron inhibition
What clinical signs does cerebellar disease present with it’s release of upper motor neuron inhibition?
Initially, a goose-stepping gait.
in severe cases, extreme motor neuron inhibition release causes opithotonos (usually rigidity and severe arching of the back with the head thrown backward)
Also associated with head tremor
What causes congenital cerebellar disorders?
Intrauterine infection with neurotropic viruses, presumably at the time of peak cerebellar development
What are two examples of congenital cerebellar disorders?
Pestivirus in cattle Panleucopaenia virus (enteritis virus) in cats
What are lesions most usually due to?
Loss of cerebellar purkinje cell and efferent neural fibre function
What is an acquired cerebellar disease?
Cerebellar disease occuring after birth and not as a result of physical injury or pathogen (virus or bacteria)
E.g. Neurotoxins
What are two examples of acquired cerebellar disease?
Arsenic poisoning of pigs
Xanthorrhoea (grass tree) poisoning of cattle
