Neurological signs associated with coccidiosis in a beef steer

Although neurological signs have been associated with enteric coccidiosis in calves in North America and Australia (Jubb, 1988; Radostits and Stockdale, 1980), they have not been described in cattle in New Zealand. In mid-July 2000, veterinary attention was sought for a 9-month-old beef steer at a local feedlot. On clinical examination the steer was in sternal recumbency, with its head and neck extended. It was mildly dehydrated and passed scant blood-tinged faeces. The rectal temperature was normal. The animal was reasonably bright and alert, aware of its surroundings, not blind, but had a slight head tremor. Upon examining the oral cavity the steer lapsed into a seizure and became laterally recumbent with its neck retroflexed and forelimbs paddling rapidly. In the interictal period the steer reverted to sternal recumbency, only to be induced into a seizure again when treatment was given. The differential diagnosis for these clinical signs included listeriosis, thiamine deficiency, lead poisoning, vitamin-A deficiency, brain abscess and neurological coccidiosis. Treatment consisted of subcutaneous …