Neospora infection and congenital ataxia in calves
Gunning, R.F.; Gumbrell, R.C.; Jeffrey, M.
Veterinary Record 134(21): 558
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 7802788 Document Number: 423311
Two cases of ataxia in calves in which Neospora was identified are reported. PM examination of the first calf which was seen in 1986 revealed encephalomyelitis, an organism associated with the lesions was subsequently identified as N. caninum. The second case, from a different herd, was born 9 days prematurely with contraction of the flexor tendons of the forelegs and was unable to support itself on its hind limbs. PM findings included internal hydrocephalus and anteroventral pneumonia. Histological examination of the brain revealed multifocal necrosis with gliosis and mineralisation. Classical protozoan cysts strongly immunoreactive for Neospora antigen were seen and immunoreactivity was also evident within the cytoplasm of microglial cells surrounding necrotic foci.