Ocular abnormalities associated with hypovitaminosis A in Hanwoo calves: a report of two cases.

This study reports on two Hanwoo (a native Korean breed of cattle) calves, a 3- and 6-month-old presenting with diarrhea, anorexia and blindness. Ophthalmoscopic examination revealed bilateral papilledema in both calves. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction tests for bovine viral diarrhea virus, rotavirus and coronavirus were all negative. The levels of serum vitamin A in the two affected calves were 0.317 µg/dl and 0.481 µg/dl, respectively. These values are much lower than the normal vitamin A levels; therefore, the calves were diagnosed with hypovitaminosis A.

Diagnosis and treatment of coenuriasis (gid) in sheep.

A procedure for the clinical investigation and surgical treatment of cases of coenuriasis in sheep was assessed. The results were based on a series of 62 cases of coenuriasis, of which 58 per cent did not have any palpable skull softening. A useful correlation between the neurological signs and the location of cysts was demonstrated, enabling accurate localisation of cysts in 68 per cent of cases. The surgical technique for the removal of cysts gave a success rate of 74 per cent among the 42 cases selected for surgery, as judged by the complete removal of the cyst and recovery of neurological functions.