Surgical Repair of an Occipital Meningocele in a Foal

Bacterial Profiles of Brain in Downer Cattle with Unknown Etiology

Downer cow can be caused by muscular paralysis, neurological damage, metabolic disorder, and/or the complication of microbial infection. However, downer cow with unknown etiology is issued because of the non-detection of its bacterial etiological agent. In this study, differences in the bacterial community in brain tissues between downer cattle with unknown etiology and healthy slaughtered cattle are investigated. Bacterial diversity and representative genera between downer and normal cattle were significantly different (p < 0.05). There are significant differences in representative genera of downer and normal cattle, especially the significance, fold change, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve score (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the prediction of functional genes in brain microbiota between the downer and normal cattle revealed differences in the cluster of orthologous gene categories, such as lipid transport and metabolism, secondary metabolite biosynthesis, and signal transduction (p < 0.05). This study revealed a significant difference in microbiota between the downer and normal cattle. Thus, we demonstrate that representative genera from downer cattle through 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and microbiota analysis have the potential as candidates for bacterial etiological agents for downer cow.

Comparison of inherited neural tube defects in companion animals and livestock

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are congenital malformations resulting from the improper or incomplete closure of the neural tube during embryonic development. A number of similar malformations of the protective coverings surrounding the central nervous system are also often included under this umbrella term, which may not strictly fit this definition. A range of NTD phenotypes exist and have been reported in humans and a wide range of domestic and livestock species. In the veterinary literature, these include cases of anencephaly, encephalocele, dermoid sinus, spina bifida, and craniorachischisis. While environmental factors have a role, genetic predisposition may account for a significant part of the risk of NTDs in these animal cases. Studies of laboratory model species (fish, birds, amphibians, and rodents) have been instrumental in improving our understanding of the neurulation process. In mice, over 200 genes that may be involved in this process have been identified and variant phenotypes investigated. Like laboratory mouse models, domestic animals and livestock species display a wide range of NTD phenotypes. They remain, however, a largely underutilized population and could complement already established laboratory models. Here we review reports of NTDs in companion animals and livestock, and compare these to other animal species and human cases. We aim to highlight the potential of nonlaboratory animal models for mutation discovery as well as general insights into the mechanisms of neurulation and the development of NTDs.