Experimental studies of Elaphostrongylus rangiferi in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus): Clinical observations

Abstract

Clinical observations were made on 12 reindeer calves (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) experimentally infected with 200-1000 infective larvae of Elaphostrongylus rangiferi and autopsied 2.5-196 days post inoculation (p.i). Seven experimental animals autopsied later than 20 days p.i. all developed neurologic signs starting 4-8 weeks p.i. In six of these animals, signs lasted until autopsy 0-12 weeks after onset. The seventh animal recovered completely after a disease period lasting five months. A dose-response relationship between the infective dose and severity of signs was observed. Clinical signs observed in all affected animals were paraparesis, tail paresis and posterior ataxia. Other signs included lowered head, general weakness, lameness, tetraparesis, scoliosis, anal hypotonia, head and neck turn, depression and reduced vision. The prepa-tent period was 4-4.5 months

Experimental infection of reindeer, sheep and goats with Elaphostrongylus spp. (Nematoda, Protostrongylidae) from moose and reindeer

“…The only histopathological obsetvations were inflammatory responses along the epidural side of the dura mater, around the nerves and in the lymph nodes. These findings are in contrast to the observations in reindeer infected with similar doses of E. rangijeri (Handeland & Skorping, 1994).…”

Experimental Studies of Elaphostrongylus rangiferi in Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus): Life Cycle, Pathogenesis, and Pathology

“…In six of the seven calves developing posterior paresis and ataxia, signs persisted until autopsy, i.e. C-3 months (HANDELAND et al, 1994). In the seventh calf, which was autopsied last, the signs disappeared about 5 months after onset, i.e.…”

“…Only two of the seven calves that developed posterior paresis and ataxia showed signs of brain disturbances (HANDELAND et al, 1994). The brain signs probably were attributable to meningeal and cranial nerve lesions caused by nematodes located in the meningeal spaces.…”

“…In the lungs, L, hatched, migrated into and up the respiratory tract, were swallowed and occurred in the faeces from about 4 months p.i. (HANDELAND et al, 1994).…”

“…developed signs of posterior paresis and ataxia, starting 4-8 weeks p.i. (HANDELAND et al, 1994). Signs occurred when the nematodes had reached the CNS and the majority was located in the subarachnoid spaces, being most numerous in the subarachnoid space of the spinal cord.…”