Degenerative progressive hereditary mieloencefalopathy (Weaver Syndrome) in Gir calves

Abstract

Degenerative progressive hereditary mieloencefalopathy is a disease described in young Brown Swiss cattle. In these animals the disease occurs in calves between six months and two years old showing mainly neurological signs. Two Zebu Gir calves were examined at the Veterinary Hospital of Uberaba, both with balance deficits. The neurological examination has shown that they were mentally alert, with appropriate conscience, head tremor, normal sensitive reflexes, normal sensitivity for superficial and deep pain, motor deficit of the pelvic limbs with severe ataxia. The calves were sacrificed. Based on the clinical case and necroscopic and histopathological findings, it could be suggested that the neuropathy, which affected both animals described above, is very similar to the degenerative progressive hereditary mieloencefalopathy observed in Brown Swiss calves.