Changes

Also Known As – '''''Meningitis – Encephalitis - Septicaemia - Bacteraemia - Navel Ill '''''

Also Known As: '''''Meningitis — Encephalitis — Septicaemia — Bacteraemia — Navel Ill '''''

Caused By – ''[[Escherichia coli]] – [[Haemophilus somnus]] – [[Listeria monocytogenes]]– [[Arcanobacterium pyogenes]] - [[Mannheimia haemolytica]] – [[Streptococci|Streptococcus spp.]] – [[Pasteurella species|Pasteurella spp.]] - and many other opportunistic bacterial species.''

Caused By: ''[[Escherichia coli]] — [[Haemophilus somnus]] — [[Listeria monocytogenes]] — [[Arcanobacterium pyogenes]] — [[Mannheimia haemolytica]] — [[Streptococci|Streptococcus spp.]] — [[Pasteurella species|Pasteurella spp.]] — and many other opportunistic bacterial species.''

==Introduction==

==Introduction==

==Clinical Signs==

==Clinical Signs==

The '''signs of meningitis are often earlier and more pronounced''' than those of encephalitis and usually include '''pyrexia, hyperaesthesia, neck rigidity and painful paraspinal muscular spasms.'''

The '''signs of meningitis are often earlier and more pronounced ''' than those of encephalitis and usually include '''pyrexia, hyperaesthesia, neck rigidity and painful paraspinal muscular spasms.'''

'''Encephalitis''' often adds '''depression, blindness, opisthotonus,  paresis/paralysis''' which may be progressive, '''ataxia, cranial nerve deficits, seizures and changes in mentation. '''

'''Encephalitis''' often adds '''depression, blindness, opisthotonus,  paresis/paralysis''' which may be progressive, '''ataxia, cranial nerve deficits, seizures and changes in mentation. '''

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==

'''CSF analysis''' is the preferred method of diagnosis, usually revealing a '''raised total protein and a sometimes positive culture result'''. The latter is definitive although sometimes difficult to obtain. In farm species however, '''clinical signs''' are often used for a presumptive diagnosis and treatment instigated appropriately.  

'''[[Cerebral Spinal Fluid - Anatomy & Physiology|CSF]] analysis''' is the preferred method of diagnosis, usually revealing a '''raised total protein and a sometimes positive culture result'''. The latter is definitive although sometimes difficult to obtain. In farm species however, '''clinical signs''' are often used for a presumptive diagnosis and treatment instigated appropriately.  

A '''blood culture will confirm bacteraemia''' which in the presence of neurological signs can confirm a suspicion of bacterial meningitis. This will also allow the causative agent and its sensitivity profile to be identified.

A '''blood culture will confirm bacteraemia''' which in the presence of neurological signs can confirm a suspicion of bacterial meningitis. This will also allow the causative agent and its sensitivity profile to be identified.

On necropsy, the '''meninges and parenchyma are infiltrated by leucocytes and the subarachnoid space is inflamed''', often along its entire length. '''Perivascular cuffing''' often features extensively. Blood vessels within and associated with the CNS may show evidence of '''vasculitis'''. End-stage disease features areas of '''necrosis and malacia''' with a mixed inflammatory infiltrate.

On necropsy, the '''meninges and parenchyma are infiltrated by leucocytes and the subarachnoid space is inflamed''', often along its entire length. '''Perivascular cuffing''' often features extensively. Blood vessels within and associated with the CNS may show evidence of '''vasculitis'''. End-stage disease features areas of '''necrosis and malacia''' with a mixed inflammatory infiltrate.

[[Listeriosis]] also causes its own pathognomic pathology, which is discussed further [[Listeriosis|here]].

[[Listeriosis]] also causes its own pathognomic pathology.

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

Treatment is sometimes combined with '''corticosteroids''' to reduce cerebral inflammation, but this should be implemented with care due to immunosuppressive effects,  

Treatment is sometimes combined with '''corticosteroids''' to reduce cerebral inflammation, but this should be implemented with care due to immunosuppressive effects,  

'''Anticonvulsants''' can also be used when seizures are prolonged or repetitive.

'''Anticonvulsants''' can also be used when [[seizures]] are prolonged or repetitive.

==Control==

==Control==

'''Minimising perinatal stress, ensuring colostrum quality and intake and maintaining hygienic conditions''' for neonates and parturition and also during husbandry and surgical procedures are all vital measures to prevent septicaemia and concurrent bacterial meningoencephalitis.  

'''Minimising perinatal stress, ensuring colostrum quality and intake and maintaining hygienic conditions''' for neonates at parturition and also during husbandry and surgical procedures are all vital measures to prevent septicaemia and concurrent bacterial meningoencephalitis.  

{{Learning

{{Learning

Merck Veterinary Manual, '''Meningitis and Encephalitis''', accessed online 24/07/2011 at http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/101600.htm

Merck Veterinary Manual, '''Meningitis and Encephalitis''', accessed online 24/07/2011 at http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/101600.htm

[[Category:To Do - Manson review]] [[Category:Neurological Diseases - Cattle]] [[Category:Neurological Diseases - Sheep]]

 

[[Category:Expert Review - Farm Animal]] [[Category:Neurological Diseases - Cattle]] [[Category:Neurological Diseases - Sheep]]