Global Veterinaria 12 (5): 687-691, 2014
ISSN 1992-6197
© IDOSI Publications, 2014
DOI: 10.5829/idosi.gv.2014.12.05.8392
Corresponding Author: Mohamed Tharwat, Department of Veterinary Medicine,
College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Qassim, Saudi Arabia.
687
Computed Tomographic Findings in Calves with Head Affections
Mohamed Tharwat, Lamiaa Selim, Tetsuya Nakade and Shin Oikawa
1 2 3 4
Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
1
Department of Natural Sciences, Deanship for Educational Services,
2
Qassim University, Qassim, Saudi Arabia
Department of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging and Interventional Radiology Section,
3
School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University,
582 Bunkyodai-Midori, Ebetsu, Hokkaido, 069-8501, Japan
Department of Veterinary Herd Health, School of Veterinary Medicine,
4
Rakuno Gakuen University, 582 Bunkyodai-Midori, Ebetsu, Hokkaido, 069-8501, Japan
Abstract: In this study, three calves with hydrocephalus, cerebellar hypoplasia and otitis media were examined
by computed tomography (CT). In the 3 calves, hematology and serum chemistry profiles were performed. CT
imaging of the skull was performed under deep sedation. In the calf with hydrocephalus, CT images showed
bilateral ventriculomegaly and a cyst-like intracranial hypodense lesion. The calf died 12 hr after admission to
the hospital. Postmortem examination showed an enlarged and soft cranium, distended ventricles with
cerebrospinal fluid and thinned cerebral tissue. In the calf with cerebellar hypoplasia, CT examination showed
a decreased cerebellar size. Based on the owner’s request, the calf was euthansed 24 hr after admission. On
postmortem examination, the cerebellum was very small, tough and leathery. In the calf with otitis media, CT
examination revealed a large, irregular, diffuse para-aural soft tissue swelling with multiple calcifications of the
wall of the right external ear canal, enlargement of the tympanic bulla with soft tissue obliteration and osteolysis
of the tympanic bulla wall and petrous bone. CT examination of the calves with head affections indicated that
the procedure is an effective non-invasive means of identifying head lesions in these animals.
Key words: Calves Computed Tomography Hydrocephalus Otitis Media Cerebellar Hypoplasia
INTRODUCTION Also CT has become increasingly important in
Computed tomography (CT) is essentially cross- companion and production animals [4-13]. There are
sectional images, with image production being a numerous reports on the diagnostic value of CT in small
function of the absorption of x-ray photons by animal practice, but there are comparatively few published
tissues. In contrast to radiography, individual structures reports on the use of CT in cattle [10, 13, 14]. This paper
can be imaged without overlap of other tissues and describes the CT findings in three Holstein calves with
internal soft tissue architecture is visible. In these days, hydrocephalus (case 1), hypoplasia of the cerebellum
CT is increasingly being used in veterinary diagnosis due (case 2) and otitis media (Case 3).
to greater accessibility of the equipment, advances in
treatment options and increase of owner expectations. MATERIALS AND METHODS
However, CT is an expensive procedure that requires
careful patient selection and should be used to Calves and CT Protocol: The three calves were examined
supplement, rather than replace, conventional diagnostic at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Rakuno Gakuen
tools [1-3]. University, Hokkaido, Japan. The calves were maintained
veterinary medicine for the diagnosis of disorders in both