Clinic Congenital Neosporosis in a Calf.

Neosporosis is an infectious disease which is caused by a protozoan called Neospora caninum and characterized by endemic and epidemic abortions in adult cattle and congenital encephalomyelitis in calves. Our case was a female calf from the Holstein breed which was born in a farm with abortion and infertility problems and was unable to stand up after birth.. It was stated that it was the third pregnancy of the mother cow and that the previous pregnancy was aborted in the fifth month. In clinical examination, sucking reflex of the calf was present and there was spastic paralysis starting from pelvic muscle in rear limbs. Blood (EDTA and spare tube) sample was taken from the cow and from the calf before sucking first colostrum and cerebrospinal fluid was collected from the calf.. Based on the clinical and serological findings, a diagnosis of congenital neosporosis was made. As a result, neosporosis must be considered in the clinical diagnosis of calves with neurological symptoms during the neonatal period.

L-lactate in cerebrospinal fluid can be used as a biomarker of encephalitis in cattle.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) changes are significant for antemortem diagnoses of some neurological diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate if the concentration of L-lactate in CSF could be used to differentiate healthy from encephalitic cattle. Cerebrospinal fluid samples from healthy cattle (n = 10) and from those naturally affected by rabies (n = 15), bovine herpesvirus type 5 meningoencephalitis (n = 16), histophilosis (n = 6), or bacterial encephalitis (n = 4), including 1 case of listeriosis, were collected and analyzed. Physical, biochemical (i.e., protein and glucose), and cellular analyses were performed in fresh samples. L-lactate, electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and chloride), calcium, and magnesium concentrations were measured in CSF samples that were kept frozen. L-lactate concentrations were also measured in plasma. Analysis of variance was used for comparison between groups and receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed considering L-lactate in CSF of healthy versus encephalitic cattle. The CSF L-lactate concentration was significantly higher in cattle with bacterial encephalitis than in healthy cattle; however, it did not differ between viral and bacterial encephalitis. The calcium concentrations were lower in cattle with encephalitis. L-lactate concentration in CSF > 3.6 mmol/L can be accepted as a cut-off value to indicate encephalitis. Thus, L-lactate in CSF is important for the diagnosis of encephalitis in cattle. Despite the small number of cases of bacterial encephalitis, it is suggested that L-lactate was not important for the differentiation between viral and bacterial encephalitis. Additional studies with a greater number of observations are necessary to clarify this, specifically in cases of listeriosis.

Les modifications du liquide céphalorachidien (LCR) sont importantes pour le diagnostic antemortem de certaines maladies neurologiques. Le but de cette étude était d'évaluer si la concentration de L-lactate dans le LCR pouvait être utilisée pour différencier les bovins en bonne santé des bovins encéphalitiques. Des échantillons de LCR provenant de bovins en bonne santé (n = 10) et de sujets infectés naturellement par la rage (n = 15), de méningoencéphalite à BoHV-5 (n = 16), l'histophilose (n = 6), ou d'encéphalite bactérienne (n = 4), notamment un cas de listériose ont été collectés et analysés. Des analyses physiques, biochimiques (protéines et glucose), et cellulaires ont été effectuées dans des échantillons frais. Les concentrations de L-lactate, d'électrolytes (Na+, K+, et Cl−), de calcium (Ca), et de magnésium ont été mesurées dans des échantillons de LCR maintenus congelés. Les concentrations de L-lactate ont également été mesurées dans le plasma. Une analyse de variance a été utilisée pour la comparaison entre les groupes et une analyse ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) a été réalisée en considérant le L-lactate dans le LCR de bovins en bonne santé par rapport à des bovins encéphalitiques. La concentration de L-lactate dans le LCR était significativement plus élevée chez les bovins présentant une encéphalite bactérienne que chez les bovins en bonne santé. Cependant, elle ne différait pas entre les bovins présentant une encéphalite virale et bactérienne. Les concentrations de Ca étaient plus faibles chez les bovins atteints d'encéphalite. Une concentration de L-lactate dans le LCR > 3,6 mmol/L peut être acceptée comme valeur seuil indiquant une encéphalite. Ainsi, le L-lactate dans le LCR est important pour le diagnostic de l'encéphalite chez les bovins. Malgré le petit nombre de cas d'encéphalite bactérienne inclus, il a été suggéré que la concentration de L-lactate dans le LCR dans la présente étude n'était pas une méthode de diagnostic important dans la différenciation entre l'encéphalite virale et bactérienne chez les bovins. Des études supplémentaires comportant un plus grand nombre d'observations sont nécessaires pour clarifier cet aspect, en particulier dans les cas de listériose.(Traduit par les auteurs).

Survival associated with cerebrospinal fluid analysis in downer adult dairy cows: A retrospective study (2006-2014).

BACKGROUND: Threshold values for total nucleated cell count (TNCC) and protein concentration in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of downer dairy cows suggestive of a spinal cord lesion were recently published. OBJECTIVES: Determine short- and long-term survival of downer cows that underwent CSF analysis using the reported threshold values. Evaluate the prognostic value of these threshold values to predict short- and long-term survival. ANIMALS: Two hundred and fourteen downer adult dairy cows that underwent CSF analysis during hospitalization at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vétérinaire (CHUV) of the Université de Montréal. METHODS: Retrospective study. Medical records of downer adult dairy cows presented to the hospital between January 2006 and October 2014 for which CSF analysis results were available were studied. Short-term (discharge from hospital) and long-term (completion of lactation) survival were determined and compared in accordance with CSF TNCC and protein concentration, using a Chi-square test. RESULTS: Cows with CSF TNCC and/or protein concentration above the threshold values had a significantly lower short-term survival rate (P = .02). The odds of nonsurvival of cows with one or both CSF values above the threshold values was 2.16 times higher than the odds for cows with values under the threshold values. CSF TNCC >4.5 cells/µL had sensitivity and specificity of 17.3% (95% CI: 10.7%-25.7%) and 92.3% (95% CI: 85.4%-96.6%), respectively, for predicting short-term nonsurvival. CSF protein concentration >0.39 g/L had sensitivity and specificity of 20.9% (95% CI: 13.7%-29.7%) and 91.4% (95% CI: 84.2%-96.0%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: CSF analysis above threshold values used in this study is associated with increased odds of short-term nonsurvival.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis in Recumbent Adult Dairy Cows With or Without Spinal Cord Lesions.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of central nervous system (CNS) lesions in recumbent dairy cattle (RDC) is challenging because neurologic examination is limited and medical imaging often is challenging or unrewarding. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is useful in the diagnosis of CNS disorders in cattle. However, its utility in identifying spinal cord lesions in RDC remains to be evaluated. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: We hypothesized that CSF analysis would discriminate between RDC with and without spinal cord lesions. ANIMALS: Twenty-one RDC with spinal cord lesions (RDC+) and 19 without (RDC-) were evaluated. METHODS: Spinal cord lesions were confirmed at necropsy. Signalment, clinical findings, and CSF results were compared retrospectively. Total nucleated cell count and differential, protein concentration, and red blood cell count in RDC+ and RDC- were compared. RESULTS: Neoplasia, trauma, and infectious processes were the most frequent spinal cord lesions identified. Cerebrospinal fluid protein concentrations and TNCC were significantly higher in RDC+ compared to RDC- (P = .0092 and P = .0103, respectively). Additionally, CSF protein concentrations and TNCC in RDC- were lower than previously published reference ranges. Using an interpretation rule based on CSF protein concentration and TNCC, it was possible to accurately identify 13 RDC with spinal cord lesions and 6 RDC without lesions. It was not possible to determine spinal cord status in the remaining 18 RDC. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Cerebrospinal fluid analysis is valuable in the evaluation of spinal cord status in RDC. The prognosis associated with these findings remains to be determined.

Diagnostics and Ancillary Tests of Neurologic Dysfunction in the Ruminant.

A variety of diagnostic tests can be used to help further characterize and diagnose neurologic disease in ruminant species. Cerebrospinal fluid is easily collected, and analysis can help in defining the broad category of disease. Diagnostic imaging, including radiography, myelography, ultrasonography, computed tomography, and MRI, have all been used to varying degrees in ruminants. Advanced cross-sectional imaging techniques have the capacity to aid greatly in diagnosis, but their cost can often be prohibitive. Currently, electrodiagnostic tests are not well evaluated or used in the diagnosis of neurologic disease in ruminants.

Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid from cattle with central nervous system disorders after storage for 24 hours with autologous serum.

BACKGROUND: We compared the changes in cell morphology, total and differential cell counts between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples analyzed within an hour of collection (fresh sample) and after the addition of autologous serum and storage for 24 h (stored sample) in 27 cattle with central nervous system disorders. RESULTS: There was a positive linear correlation between total and differential cell counts in the fresh and the stored samples. Cell morphology was preserved in all stored samples, except for increased vacuolization of mononuclear cells and cleaved nuclei of some small mononuclear cells. In the stored CSF samples, the total nucleated cell count and monocyte percentage were decreased (P = 0.01; P = 0.03), while the lymphocyte percentage was increased (P = 0.04). Mononuclear pleocytosis diagnosed in 20 fresh samples was cytologically confirmed in 12 of the 20 stored samples. In the remaining eight stored samples, the number of total nucleated cells was within the normal range. Neutrophilic pleocytosis was confirmed in all seven stored samples. The overall agreement rate between cytologic interpretation of the fresh and the stored CSF samples was 70 % (100 % for neutrophilic pleocytosis and 60 % for mononuclear pleocytosis). CONCLUSIONS: Adding 11 % of autologous serum to CSF samples might allow delayed analysis with a good agreement rate for CSF cytological interpretation. Caution is nonetheless warranted, as animal age, anamnesis, and neurological presentation need to be considered when interpreting stored CSF without pleocytosis.

Evaluation of S100B in cerebrospinal fluid as a potential biomarker for neurological diseases in calves.

S100B in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF-S100B) was measured in calves with 20 neurologic and 21 non-neurologic diseases to clarify its utility as a biomarker for neurologic diseases. The median CSF-S100B value in the neurologic disease group (43.0 ng/ml) was significantly higher than that in the non-neurologic disease group (10.2 ng/ml). As CSF-S100B levels in calves with neurologic diseases widely differed, the utility of CSF-S100B as a diagnostic marker for neurologic diseases in cattle remains inconclusive.

Infusion of sodium bicarbonate in experimentally induced metabolic acidosis does not provoke cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) acidosis in calves.

In a crossover study, 5 calves were made acidotic by intermittent intravenous infusion of isotonic hydrochloric acid (HCl) over approximately 24 h. This was followed by rapid (4 h) or slow (24 h) correction of blood pH with isotonic sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO(3)) to determine if rapid correction of acidemia produced paradoxical cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) acidosis. Infusion of HCl produced a marked metabolic acidosis with respiratory compensation. Venous blood pH (mean ± S(x)) was 7.362 ± 0.021 and 7.116 ± 0.032, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (Pco(2), torr) 48.8 ± 1.3 and 34.8 ± 1.4, and bicarbonate (mmol/L), 27.2 ± 1.27 and 11 ± 0.96; CSF pH was 7.344 ± 0.031 and 7.240 ± 0.039, Pco(2) 42.8 ± 2.9 and 34.5 ± 1.4, and bicarbonate 23.5 ± 0.91 and 14.2 ± 1.09 for the period before the infusion of hydrochloric acid and immediately before the start of sodium bicarbonate correction, respectively. In calves treated with rapid infusion of sodium bicarbonate, correction of venous acidemia was significantly more rapid and increases in Pco(2) and bicarbonate in CSF were also more rapid. However, there was no significant difference in CSF pH. After 4 h of correction, CSF pH was 7.238 ± 0.040 and 7.256 ± 0.050, Pco(2) 44.4 ± 2.2 and 34.2 ± 2.1, and bicarbonate 17.8 ± 1.02 and 14.6 ± 1.4 for rapid and slow correction, respectively. Under the conditions of this experiment, rapid correction of acidemia did not provoke paradoxical CSF acidosis.

Cerebrospinal fluid findings in cattle with central nervous system disorders: a retrospective study of 102 cases (1990-2008).

BACKGROUND: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is routinely used to aid in the diagnosis of central nervous system (CNS) disease in animals. There is little comprehensive information available on the diagnostic utility of CSF analysis in cattle. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this retrospective study was to review the characteristic CSF findings of specific CNS diseases in cattle. METHODS: Medical records of cattle in which CSF analysis had been performed between 1990 and 2008 were reviewed. Cattle were included in the study if they had a confirmed diagnosis of CNS disease (based on clinical signs, laboratory testing, and/or histopathologic results). Cattle were categorized as having infectious or noninfectious causes of CNS disease and subgrouped based on specific disease diagnosis. CSF results were summarized and compared using nonparametric statistical tests. RESULTS: Data from 102 cattle, mostly female Holsteins, were included in the study. Bacterial infections, particularly listeriosis and neonatal meningitis, were the most common cause of CNS disease. Neonatal meningitis was characterized by a marked, predominantly neutrophilic, pleocytosis. Mild mononuclear pleocytosis was typical of listeriosis, but was also seen with abscesses, viral infections, salt poisoning, and trauma. Variable CSF results were seen in cattle with otitis-related meningitis and thromboembolic meningoencephalitis. CSF results were usually normal with toxic, metabolic, degenerative, and neoplastic disorders. CONCLUSIONS: CSF analysis is a useful adjunctive test for the diagnosis of CNS diseases in cattle. When interpreted together with signalment and clinical signs, CSF results can assist clinicians in the antemortem diagnosis of specific bovine CNS disorders.

Cerebrospinal fluid S-100B concentrations in normal and diseased cattle.

We measured the concentrations of S-100B, a marker protein used in humans to detect brain damage, in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of clinically normal cattle (n=15, mean age +/- SD: 31.8 +/- 37.5 months) and of cattle with various inflammatory disorders (n=43, 70.6 +/- 31.9 months). The mean +/- SD CSF S-100B level was 2.9 +/- 1.6 ng/ml in the normal group and 7.0 +/- 7.4 ng/ml in the diseased group. Thirteen diseased cattle that had developed no obvious neurological signs showed abnormally high S-100B concentrations (> 8.0 ng/ml), whereas the two cattle with neurological disorders did not. No particular disease could be related to the S-100B rise. Therefore, it remains inconclusive whether measurement of CSF S-100B concentration is useful in veterinary neurological diagnosis.

Effects of intravenous hyperosmotic sodium bicarbonate on arterial and cerebrospinal fluid acid-base status and cardiovascular function in calves with experimentally induced respiratory and strong ion acidosis.

The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of hyperosmotic sodium bicarbonate (HSB) administration on arterial and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) acid-base balance and cardiovascular function in calves with experimentally induced respiratory and strong ion (metabolic) acidosis. Ten healthy male Holstein calves (30-47 kg body weight) were instrumented under halothane anesthesia to permit cardiovascular monitoring and collection of blood samples and CSE Respiratory acidosis was induced by allowing the calves to spontaneously ventilate, and strong ion acidosis was subsequently induced by i.v. administration of L-lactic acid. Calves were then randomly assigned to receive either HSB (8.4% NaHCO3; 5 ml/kg over 5 minutes, i.v.; n=5) or no treatment (controls, n=5) and monitored for 1 hour. Mixed respiratory and strong ion acidosis was accompanied by increased heart rate, cardiac index, mean arterial pressure, cardiac contractility (maximal rate of change of left ventricular pressure), and mean pulmonary artery pressure. Rapid administration of HSB immediately corrected the strong ion acidosis, transiently increased arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (P(CO2)), and expanded the plasma volume. The transient increase in arterial P(CO2) did not alter CSF P(CO2) or induce paradoxical CSF acidosis. Compared to untreated control calves, HSB-treated calves had higher cardiac index and contractility and a faster rate of left ventricular relaxation for 1 hour after treatment, indicating that HSB administration improved myocardial systolic function. We conclude that rapid i.v. administration of HSB provided an effective and safe method for treating strong ion acidosis in normovolemic halothane-anesthetized calves with experimentally induced respiratory and strong ion acidosis. Fear of inducing paradoxical CSF acidosis is not a valid reason for withholding HSB administration in calves with mixed respiratory and strong ion acidosis.

Cerebrospinal setariosis with Setaria marshalli and Setaria digitata infection in cattle.

Setaria digitata and S. marshalli larvae were observed in the cerebrospinal cavity of 2 paralyzed cattle in Taiwan. The 2 affected cattle showed quadriplegia and lumbar paralysis, respectively. At necropsy, which was performed 7 days after the 7-month-old cattle became quadriplegic, three and nineteen S. marshalli larvae as well as two female adult worms were found in the cranial cavity, spinal cavity and peritoneal cavity of the cattle, respectively. Necropsy on the other 8-month-old cattle was also performed 3 days after it showed lumbar paralysis, and ten S. digitata larvae were found in the spinal cavity. In both cattle, many mononuclear inflammatory cells mixed with a few eosinophils were seen accumulated in the connective tissue around the root of the spinal nerves. Infiltration of eosinophils and mononuclear inflammatory cells into the epidura and arachnoidea of the brain were also observed. The major inflammatory cell was lymphocytes, but neutrophils and eosinophils were also present. The number of cells in the cerebrospinal fluid collected initially from the two affected cattle were 105/0.01 ml and 143/ 0.01 ml, respectively. This is the first report of cerebrospinal setariosis in cattle associated with S. marshalli.

[Clinical findings in four cattle with abscesses in the cervical vertebrae]. / Klinische Befunde bei 4 Rindern mit Abszess in der Halswirbelsäule.

The purpose of this paper was to describe the clinical findings in four cattle with abscesses in the cervical vertebrae. In all of the animals there was generalized ataxia and normal behaviour, mentation and cranial nerve function. All animals had marked difficulty rising and had generalized ataxia. The most important haematological and biochemical findings were a mildly increased concentration of plasma protein in all animals and a markedly increased fibrinogen concentration in two animals. A sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was collected from three animals. The protein content was mildly increased in the CSF samples of two animals. Based on the clinical findings, a tentative diagnosis of central nervous system disease with localisation in the neck region was made in all of the animals. Due to a poor prognosis, all of the animals were slaughtered. Postmortem examination revealed abscesses in the region of C3 to C6, which had resulted in extramedullary compression of the spinal cord. The abscesses varied in diameter from 2 to 8 cm.

Demonstration of Akabane virus antigen using immunohistochemistry in naturally infected newborn calves.

Eight newborn calves showing ataxia were necropsied and examined histologically. Six of seven cerebrospinal fluid samples collected from these animals had neutralizing antibody for Akabane virus (AKV). All examined calves had nonsuppurative encephalomyelitis, localized mainly in the midbrain and spinal cord. Corresponding to the encephalitic lesion, AKV antigen was demonstrated in neuroglial cells in the brain stem and neuronal cells in the ventral horn of the spinal cord. This is the first study to demonstrate AKV antigen by immunohistochemistry in naturally infected newborn calves.

Association of interleukin-6 in the cerebrospinal fluid during crisis of calf with ammoniated feed syndrome.

Ammoniated feed syndrome (AFS) in cattle is a neurotoxic syndrome caused by feeding specific ammoniated forage. To clarify the pathophysiology of AFS, we examined the association of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the brain. By feeding milk either from cows fed such ammoniated forage or milk added with 4-methyl-imidazole, newborn calves showed a neurotoxic crisis of hyperexcitability, ataxia, muscle tremor, circling, roaring, epileptoid seizure, sweating and marked fever response. Although these calves had no pathological lesions in the brain, we detected a rise in IL-6 in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) was not detected in the CSF. In the sera, IL-6 and TNF-alpha hardly changed during the experiment. Administration of recombinant human IL-6 into the lateral ventricle resulted in fever. Thus, we believe IL-6 in the CSF is related to the fever response in newborn calves with AFS.

Evaluation of hematological, serum biochemical and cerebrospinal fluid parameters in experimental bacterial meningitis in the calf.

To evaluate the effects of bacterial meningitis on blood and CSF parameters, an experiment was conducted with five Iranian crossbred male calves. Blood and CSF samples were collected 3 times within a 5-day interval before the administration of bacteria for obtaining control values. Following the injection of E. coli, K12 into the cerebrospinal fluid from the lumbosacral space, samples were collected and clinical signs of meningitis were observed. Blood and CSF samples were obtained from the meningitis group 3 times at 1, 3, and 5 days post injection. The treatment of the infected calves using lincospectin and tetracycline was carried out immediately after the onset of clinical signs. After the treatment, blood and CSF samples were obtained 3 times during a 5-day period. Following the induction of meningitis, the number of WBCs, neutrophils, eosinophils and monocytes significantly increased (P < 0.05). However, the percent of lymphocytes decreased significantly (P < 0.05). The concentrations of glucose, potassium and activity of AST, LDH, CK significantly increased (P < 0.05). In contrast, the concentrations of phosphorous, sodium and magnesium significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Furthermore, following the induction of meningitis, the CSF was slightly xantochromic and turbid. The concentrations of protein, cholesterol, phosphorous, potassium, the activities of AST, LDH, CK, and the cell numbers in the CSF increased significantly (P < 0.05). In contrast, the concentration of glucose and pH in the CSF decreased significantly (P < 0.05). This study showed that bacterial meningitis can have profound effects on blood and CSF parameters which enable one to reach diagnosis.

[Clinical chemical investigation of selected laboratory parameters of cerebrospinal fluid and blood of health cattle]. / Klinisch-chemische Untersuchung ausgewählter Laborparameter im Liquor cerebrospinalis und im Blut gesunder Rinder.

Selected Parameters in cerebrospinal fluid of adult, healthy cattle of different breeds were analyzed. Group size amounted to 68. Liquor samples were taken by lumbosacral punction. At the same time blood was taken from the Vena jugularis for analysis of the same parameters as in cerebrospinal fluid. Classification into 3 groups based on the macroscopic aspect of the cerebrospinal fluid: clear-colourless, flaky-colourless, bloody-flaky. In the first group all parameters were analyzed in order to fix standard distribution. A range of standard values of every parameter in cerebrospinal fluid was defined after finding of runaways and narrowing of random sample to 95%. Standard values for the parameters were: TP 0.83-1.40 g/l, GLU 1.18-3.20 mmol/l, LAC 1.4-1.9 mmol/l, CK 0.2-18.7 U/l, GLDH 0.7-3.7 U/l, AST 3.2-12.8 U/l. Possibilities to integrate results from the other two groups into these standard values were shown. A linear correlation between cerebrospinal fluid and blood serum values was found to exist for GLU (r = 0.91), LAC (r = 0.55) and GLDH (r = 0.48).