Neuro Flashcards
This cow is completely unable to support her own weight and her forelimb appears to ‘hang’. What might be the cause?
Brachial plexus injury/paralysis
- may have been caused by a haematoma or abscess between the scapula and the ribs
This animal is able to support its own weight but is unable to extend any joints of the limb. What might be the cause?
Radial nerve paralysis (at a high level)
This animal is able to support its own weight but is unable to extend its fetlock. What might be the cause?
Radial nerve paralysis (low level)
This cow is recently calved. What does this posture indicate?
Bilateral sciatic nerve damage
When is radial paralysis most commonly seen?
In cows that have been recumbent for some time because of milk fever
Also in cows cast on hard surfaces or blunt trauma to the shoulder area
What nerve damage does this animal appear to be suffering from? How can you tell?
Tibial nerve paralysis - Hock over-flexed while weight bearing surface remains on the ground
What nerve damage does this animal appear to be suffering from? How can you tell?
Tibial nerve paralysis - stifle is dropped, hock is over-flexed and the weight bearing surface is still firmly on the ground
What is the prognosis for obturator paralysis?
Guarded - especially if bilateral
What is the main cause of obturator paralysis and what does it result in?
Commonly associated with ‘hip-lock’ dystocia
- Paralysis of the adducting muscles of the hind limb - affected leg/s push out to the side
- Normal sensation of lower limbs
What is a possible sequelae of tibial paralysis?
Partial / complete rupture of the gastrocnemius muscle
What nerve paralysis might this cow be suffering from?
Obturator nerve paralysis
What nerve paralysis might this cow be suffering from?
Brachial plexus nerve paralysis
What nerve paralysis might this cow be suffering from?
Tibial nerve paralysis
What do you notice about the stance of this calf?
Wide base / saw horse stance
Abnormal behaviour such as head pressing, aimless walking, circling, licking objects and aggression tends to indicate a neurological lesion where?
Cerebral lesion - circling animals will circle towards the side of the cerebral lesion
Give a brief description of citrullinaemia:
An inherited, autosomal recessive disorder of holstein-fresian calves. A deficiency of one of the urea cycle enzymes leading to elevated citrulline and ammonia concentrations in blood. Calves are born fine but become stuporous by 3-4 days old. Head press, collapse, convulsions and death.
Which breeds of cattle are affected by alpha-mannosidosis?
Angus and Murray Grey Cattle
What is the most common manifestation of listerial infction in Australiasia?
Meningo-encephalitis
Why does listeria affect mainly 2 - 3 year old animals?
Tooth eruptions are an excellent point of entry for infection
What is the antibiotic of choise for listeriosis?
Penicillins and aminopenicillins
Why might there be a metabolic acidosis in a cow with listeriosis?
They are not producing / swallowing much saliva so they are losing thir main source of bicarbonate and phosphate.
What are most cases of tetanus in cattle associated with?
Castration
Tail docking
Dehorning
What is the prevention for tetanus?
Tetanus toxiod vaccination. Two are required - given 4-6 weeks apart.
Can be given at any age.
What is idiopathic tetanus often associated with?
Feeding large amounts of root crops contaminaed with soil
What can cause polioencaphalomalacia (PEM) in cattle?
Thiamine deficiency
Lead poisoning
Salt/Water Intoxication
What is one significant diagnostic difference between PEM caused by thiaminases vs. lead poisoning?
Rumen function is maintained when presenting with PEM due to thiaminases in contrast to lead poisoning.
