Cerebrospinal lipidosis in Friesian calves
Donnelly, W.J.; Hannan, J.; Sheahan, B.J.; O'Connor, P.J.
Veterinary Record 91(9): 225-226
1972
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 4673105 Document Number: 57304
In one herd, a 6-month-old heifer died after showing progressive motor incordination, and a 10-month-old bull calf died in poor condition, unwilling to move, and with stiff gait. Their sires were father and son, as inbreeding was a policy in the herd. In another herd, a 3-month-old heifer was slaughtered and a six-month-old bull calf died after showing similar symptoms, including slowness in feeding and, in one case, apparent pain in the hind quarters and feet. Both calves were from the same sire, and had been abnormal from birth. Histological examination of three of the calves revealed abnormalities of the neurones at all levels of the CNS-ballooning, foamy cytoplasm, reduced Nissl granules, and excessive storage of lipid. Further studies are in progress, but the condition appears to be congenital neuronal lipidosis. All calves were Friesians. The two lines of sires were not related (at least in the previous three generations). Lineages of the dams were not available.