Multifocal symmetrical encephalomyelopathy of Simmental cattle

Multifocal symmetrical necrotising encephalopathy in Simmental cross cattle in Scotland

“…The clinical picture described and the neuropathological changes seen in both cases were consistent with a diagnosis of multifocal symmetrical necrotising encephalopathy. The presentation of the disease was similar to that described by other authors (Harper and others 1989, Finnie and Phillips 1991, Frank and others 1992, Desjardins and others 2001). In particular, the age of onset, period of progression to recumbency and the distribution of lesions were remarkably consistent.…”

“…In particular, the age of onset, period of progression to recumbency and the distribution of lesions were remarkably consistent. In this study, only female cattle were affected, but other reports have included male animals (Finnie and Phillips 1991, Frank and others 1992). The cause of death of calf 2 was considered to be ruminal bloat with associated physical and physiological changes.…”

“…CLINICAL and pathological descriptions of multifocal symmetrical necrotising encephalopathy in Simmental and Simmental cross cattle have been reported from Australia and New Zealand (Harper and others 1989, Finnie and Phillips 1991) and North America (Frank and others 1992, Steffen and others 1994, Desjardins and others 2001). The condition usually affects cattle under one year of age and presents as progressive hindlimb ataxia and paralysis.…”

“…The condition usually affects cattle under one year of age and presents as progressive hindlimb ataxia and paralysis. It is characterised by bilateral symmetrical foci of necrosis throughout the grey matter of the brain (Finnie and Phillips 1991). The aetiology of the condition has been hypothesised as being either an inherited defect (Harper and others 1989, Finnie and Phillips 1991) or micronutrient imbalances (Frank and others 1992).…”

“…It is characterised by bilateral symmetrical foci of necrosis throughout the grey matter of the brain (Finnie and Phillips 1991). The aetiology of the condition has been hypothesised as being either an inherited defect (Harper and others 1989, Finnie and Phillips 1991) or micronutrient imbalances (Frank and others 1992). This short communication describes the clinical and pathological changes associated with multifocal symmetrical necrotising encephalopathy in two Simmental cross calves in Scotland.…”