Student Case Presentation
Rabies or Not? Clinically Neurologic Bovine Case
| Date/Time: |
8/27/2026 Poster 14
|
| Presenter: |
Selina Boone |
| Veterinary School: |
TN |
Abstract:
A 9-year-old, Aberdeen Angus cow in late gestation was evaluated on referral for dysphasia and suspect rabies. The primary veterinarian manually removed a large amount of unchewed hay from the oral cavity and placed an orogastric tube for enteral hydration. The cow was treated with oxytetracycline 200mg/mL and banamine. She was later observed by the owner with more hay in her mouth she was not chewing which the owner elected to remove. It was then noted the owner had an open wound on their hand. Direct salivary exposure from a neurologically inappropriate cow increased the concern of exposure to rabies, thus prompting referral for further evaluation.
Upon arrival, vitals were within normal limits. A slight muzzle deviation was appreciated to the left, mild crepitus across the left side of the face, mild swelling along the maxillary arcade, and moderate to severe muscle atrophy unilaterally of the left facial muscles was likewise noted. She was dysphagic but had proper prehensile abilities. Ataxia was apparent at the time of evaluation. No significant findings were appreciated on oral examination. The ability to pass an orogastric tube ruled out choke as a possible differential. The lack of an increased rectal temperature along with normal cardiovascular, respiratory, and gastrointestinal examinations, other differentials, such as botulism and meningitis were ruled out.
Due to a lack of sufficient findings to explain the abnormal neurologic examination, it was recommended to euthanize the cow and submit for rabies testing. Necropsy gross and histologic findings support evidence of a pituitary nerve sheath tumor. Immunohistochemistry analysis is pending for detection of neoplastic cell differentiation.
