Cerebellar abiotrophy in a Charolais calf

Abstract

The Charolais calf presented was found to be experiencing convulsive seizures. These seizures continued to increase in severity therefore the calf was euthanized. The significant necropsy findings were: Histological examination of the brain demonstrated degeneration of the Purkinjie cells in the cerebellum. The brain stem and spinal cord revealed a moderate degree of Wallerian degeneration. The calfs entanglement in the electric fence could have precipitated or exaggerated the convulsive seizures. This particular selective degeneration of the Purkinjie cells of the cerebellar cortex is pathognomonic for cerebellar abiotrophy due to the characteristic pathological features