Journal of Veterinary Science  2008;9(1):113-115

doi:10.4142/jvs.2008.9.1.113

Hepatic encephalomyelopathy in a calf with congenital portosystemic shunt (CPSS).

Valeria Cafe MARCAL 1 ; Anna OEVERMANN ; Tim BLEY ; Patrizia PFISTER ; Julien MICLARD

Affiliations

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Keywords

hepatic encephalopathy; Holstein Friesian cattle; pathological investigation; portosystemic shunt

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

English

Abstract

A 4-month-old female Holstein Friesian calf was referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Berne, Switzerland for evaluation of ataxia, weakness, apathy and stunted growth. Clinical examination revealed generalized ataxia, propioceptive deficits, decreased menace response and sensibility. Postmortem examination did not reveal macroscopic changes of major organs. Histologically, the brain and the spinal cord lesions were characterized by polymicrocavitation, preferentially affecting the white matter fibers at the junction of grey and white matter and by the presence of Alzheimer type II cells. The liver revealed lesions consistent with a congenital portosystemic shunt, characterized by increased numbers of arteriolar profiles and hypoplasia to absence of portal veins. The pathological investigations along with the animal history and clinical signs indicated a hepatic encephalomyelopathy due to a congenital portosystemic shunt.