Neurological diseases of ruminant livestock in Australia. V: congenital neurogenetic disorders of cattle

Abstract

As part of a series on neurological disorders in ruminant livestock in Australia, this review focuses on the congenital neurogenic disorders of cattle. The genetic pressures that contribute to the emergence of congenital neurogenic disorders, as well as the methods of diagnosis, are discussed. Disorders reviewed are ordered by breed and include arthrogryposis multiplex, fawn calf syndrome, inherited congenital myoclonus and maple syrup urine disease.

Review of neurological diseases of ruminant livestock in Australia. VI: postnatal bovine, and ovine and caprine, neurogenetic disorders

“…5,6 Affected sheep show locomotion deficits of the hindlimbs, frequently ambulating with a swaying gait or dropped stance, which may progress to a dog-sitting position. 5,6 Affected sheep show locomotion deficits of the hindlimbs, frequently ambulating with a swaying gait or dropped stance, which may progress to a dog-sitting position.…”

“…Occurs in fine-wool Merino sheep aged between 1 and 5 years, with both sexes affected and an annual incidence of approximately 0.1-1% on affected farms. 5,6 Affected sheep show locomotion deficits of the hindlimbs, frequently ambulating with a swaying gait or dropped stance, which may progress to a dog-sitting position. Knuckling of the toes and circling is also evident in most cases.…”

In this issue - October 2011

“…4 The authors describe these in the context of the breeds in Australia that show these genetic defects with the highest frequency. 4 The authors describe these in the context of the breeds in Australia that show these genetic defects with the highest frequency.…”

Atypical hydrocephalus in an Angus herd in Missouri, USA

“…These practices can potentially lead to a reduction in the population size and a subsequent increase in homozygosity, thus allowing for the appearance of defective phenotypes 3. Neuropathic hydrocephalus (NH) and arthrogryposis multiplex (AM) are newly recognised genetic disorders that have been described in Angus cattle in Australia and the USA 4. These are fetal malformations related to a recessive mutation on single bovine chromosomes; consequently, only homozygous animals develop the disorder.…”

“…These are fetal malformations related to a recessive mutation on single bovine chromosomes; consequently, only homozygous animals develop the disorder. The frequency of both AM and NH mutations is similar, affecting approximately 10 per cent of registered US bulls 4. The genetic cause for the NH is a highly conserved mutated gene that affects the development and maintenance of the CNS altering specific protein functions 5.…”