Neurological Disorders of Older Cattle

Question 1

What should you look for on the distant examination of cattle with neurological signs?

Answer 1

Demeanour
Musculoskeletal signs
Central deficits

Question 2

Describe the steps of a basic cranial nerve exam in cattle

Answer 2

Facial asymmetry
Head tilt?
Lingual paralysis?
Drooling?
Facial sensation
Menace
PLR
Ocular abnormalities
Peripheral nerve assessment

Question 3

How do animals get listeriosis?

Answer 3

Spoiled feed

Question 4

How does listeria monocytogenes enter the body and cause neurological disease?

Answer 4

Entry via oral mucosa
Trigeminal nerve
Brain stem
Meningoencephalitis

Question 5

What treatment should you give to cattle with listeriosis?

Answer 5

Nursing care
NSAIDS
Systemic antibiotics - high dose penicillin

Question 6

What are the three main types of clinical signs related to BSE?

Answer 6

Behavioural changes
Nervous signs
Hind limb motor deficits

Question 7

What are the key clinical signs of BSE?

Answer 7

Apprehension
Hyperaesthesia
Ataxia

Question 8

What are the two main causes of brain abscesses in calves?

Answer 8

Dehorning sinusitis
Haematogenous spread from another site of infection

Question 9

List four clinical signs of brain abscesses in cattle

Answer 9

Cranial nerve deficits
Head pressing
Depression
Central blindness

Question 10

Which two pathogens usually cause spinal abscesses?

Answer 10

T Pyogenes
F necrophorum

Question 11

List four clinical signs of spinal abcesses in cattle

Answer 11

Progressive ataxia
Incontinence
Poor anal and tail tone
Perineal hypoalgesia
(Rectal exam useful)