CLINICAL FINDINGS IN 50 COWS WITH BOVINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY (BSE)

The goal of this study was to describe the clinical findings in 50 cow s with bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). The most important abno rmalities were disturbances in behaviour, sensitivity and locomotion. Of 48 cows with behavioural abnormalities, 33 were panic-stricken, 33 were fearful and 32 were restless and nervous. Other behavioural distu rbances included bruxism (n=23), salivation (n=15), licking of the muz zle (n=15) and flehmen (n=8). Disturbances in sensitivity were observe d in 49 cows. They were hypersensitive to touching of the head and nec k with a pen and reacted by throwing the head sideways, head shaking, curling the muzzle, or flehmen and salivating. Hypersensitivity to sou nd was observed in 41 cows. Hypersensitivity to light was seen in 22 c ows. Disturbances in locomotion occurred in 44 cows. In 41, there was ataxia, which was generalised in 28 and restricted to the hindend in 1 3.