Neuro cow

What should be assessed first in the approach to a neurological cow?

History - duration of the signs and number of animals affected.

What indicates acute onset in a neurological cow?

Signs of nervous ketosis or staggers.

What additional signs may indicate nervous ketosis?

Dull/depressed mentation, ataxia, circling, and apparent blindness.

What is a clinical sign of listeriosis in cows?

Pyrexia, abnormal mentation, and weakness.

Why is it important to note any recent management or diet changes?

Diet changes can indicate conditions like CCN (cerebrocortical necrosis).

What findings on a neurological exam suggest a cerebellum lesion?

Normal mentation with motor function deficits.

What does ataxia in cows suggest during a neurological examination?

Potential nervous ketosis, staggers, or infections like listeriosis.

What is the primary diagnostic tool if nervous ketosis is suspected?

A blood sample for BHB (beta-hydroxybutyrate) levels.

What are signs of nervous coccidiosis?

Depression, ataxia, hemorrhagic diarrhea.

What clinical signs are associated with grass staggers?

Ataxia, collapse, seizures, hyperaesthesia.

What treatment is recommended for nervous ketosis?

Intravenous dextrose followed by oral propylene glycol.

What are common infectious causes of neurological signs in cows?

BVDV, listeriosis, BSE, and tetanus.

What is a sign of vitamin A deficiency in cows?

Night blindness and ataxia.

What is a defining sign of listeriosis?

Drooling and facial paralysis.

What is the prognosis for nervous coccidiosis?

Generally poor; may require euthanasia.

How can sudden death in cows be differentiated from anthrax?

Postmortem examination and samples for histopathology.

What is the recommended treatment for CCN?

IV thiamine supplementation and long-term dietary changes.

What are early clinical signs of tetanus in cattle?

Elevated tail head, anxious expression, and lockjaw.

What neurological sign indicates cerebrum involvement?

Abnormal mentation.

What are key clinical signs associated with botulism?

Recumbency, flaccid paralysis, and sudden death.

What might indicate access to toxins in clinical history?

Frequent exposure to contaminated feed or carcasses.

What does opisthotonos indicate in terms of neurological issue?

Cerebrum affected.

What dietary changes are critical to ask about during history taking?

Recent weaning or diet changes affecting nutrition.

What is a common treatment for listeriosis?

High-dose penicillin and supportive care.

What does the presence of tremors suggest during physical exam?

Nervous ketosis or staggers.

What clinical sign is associated with nervous ketosis in terms of behavior?

Apparent blindness and ataxia.

What should be monitored with IV calcium and magnesium treatment?

The heart rate during slow infusion.

How can progression of disease be determined?

Monitoring changes in clinical signs.

What is the significance of assessing CNs during the neurological exam?

To evaluate cranial nerve function and identify brain lesions.

What should be included in a full general clinical examination?

TPR, eye examination, mouth examination and muscle tone assessment.

What are common metabolic causes of neurological signs?

Grass staggers, CCN, and nervous ketosis.

What condition might cause wild facial expression in cows?

Grass staggers.

What is required if BSE is suspected?

Notify APHA as BSE is notifiable.

What clinical sign may indicate listeria exposure in a cow?

Uveitis and abnormal eye behavior.

What might elevated tail head indicate during an examination?

Tetanus.

What differentiates CCN from other conditions in weaned calves?

Recent diet change leading to neurological signs.

What can be a key sign of tetanus in cows?

Spastic paresis or seizures.

What is expected in the case of sudden or unexpected mortality in cows?

Need for postmortem examination.

What further investigations may be needed if a neurological issue is suspected?

Blood tests, postmortem examinations, and histopathology.

What is the procedure if symptoms of nervous ketosis persist despite treatment?

Contact APHA for BSE differentials.

What should nursing care for affected cows include?

Supportive feeding, hydration, and management of electrolytes.

What does a normal reaction in a neurological exam suggest?

Potential lesion caudal to foramen magnum.

How should you respond if a cow exhibits signs of anxiety, lockjaw, or bloat?

Consider tetanus as a differential diagnosis.

What signs should warn of possible contagious disease?

Sudden death or multiple animals affected.

How long should penicillin be administered for listeriosis treatment?

Double dose q12h for 10 days.

What condition presents with gastrointestinal signs first followed by neurological signs?

Nervous coccidiosis.

What is the role of hydration therapy in treating neurological conditions?

To correct electrolyte imbalances and support overall health.

When is euthanasia considered as a treatment option?

For conditions with poor prognosis such as nervous coccidiosis.

What preventative action can reduce the risk of botulism?

Maintain good hygiene and cleanliness around feeding areas.