Neurological signs associated with coccidiosis in a beef steer

Authors: Hill F, Ebbett P
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 48, Issue 6, pp 195, Dec 2000
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Cattle, Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant
Subject Terms: Abdomen, Alimentary system/gastroenterology, Protozoa, Infectious disease, Disease/defect, Nervous system/neurology, Parasites - internal
Article class: Correspondence

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Abstract: Although neurological signs have been associated with enteric coccidiosis in calves in North America and Australia (Jubb, 1988; Radostits and Stockdale, 1980), they have not been described in cattle in New Zealand. In mid-July 2000, veterinary attention was sought for a 9-month-old beef steer at a local feedlot. On clinical examination the steer was in sternal recumbency, with its head and neck extended. It was mildly dehydrated and passed scant blood-tinged faeces. The rectal temperature was normal. The animal was reasonably bright and alert, aware of its surroundings, not blind, but had a slight head tremor. Upon examining the oral cavity the steer lapsed into a seizure and became laterally recumbent with its neck retroflexed and forelimbs paddling rapidly. In the interictal period the steer reverted to sternal recumbency, only to be induced into a seizure again when treatment was given. The differential diagnosis for these clinical signs included listeriosis, thiamine deficiency, lead poisoning, vitamin-A deficiency, brain abscess and neurological coccidiosis. Treatment consisted of subcutaneous …

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