Home arrow Epidemiology arrow Malformations
3.4 Malformations PDF Drucken E-Mail

Malformations


Cerebellar hypoplasia
Cerebellar hypoplasia

 

Fetal infections in the middle of gestation (i.e. end of first trimester to beginning of last trimester) may generate malformations, cerebellar hypoplasias being the most prominent of them (see video on the right). Ocular malformations (hypoplasia, cataracts, retinal degeneration), skeletal deformities, hypotrichosis, hydrocephalus and poor growth are other abnormities attributed to BVD. The character of a malformation depends on the time of infection. The underlying mechanisms are not known. Plausible explanations include direct cell damage or indirect cell damage caused by reactions of the immune system. 

 
 
Video: Cerebellar hypoplasia 
 
 
 

This video shows two calves (not related), which were born within two days on a farm with BVD/MD problems. Both calves try to get up, but they do not succeed because of coordination problems due to the cerebellar hypoplasia . Furthermore, the blink-to-threat is absent, but both calves were able to drink normally. The calves’ general condition was barely disturbed. A dissection confirmed the diagnosis of “cerebellar hypoplasia”. (Duration: 2:01, no sound)