Synonyms

Listeriosis

Name of the disease in English

Facial hemiplegia by listeria (or other cause)

The disease in brief

This is a particular form of Listeria encephalitis. It is a significant infection due to the losses caused and the hygienic implications associated with Listeria. It is common in temperate climates, especially when cattle consume silage/wrap. The bacteria lives in the environment (soil, fodder, faeces) and can concentrate in all moist fodder. Infection of the encephalon occurs from oral carriage of the bacteria, through micro-lesions via the Trigeminal nerve.

Clinic & diagnosis

The signs of facial paralysis affect the movements of the eyelids, ears, lips. But depending on the cranial nerves affected, the clinical signs may simply be paralysis of other cranial nerves, inoperative or hanging jaws, or even dysphagia (animal that cannot drink and becomes constipated with a dry rumen). They are clearly lateralized; These local signs may be accompanied by general signs; 

- a first phase of sometimes short excitement 

- Signs of depression/drowsiness, loss of balance, with deviation of the head.                                                             

- Hyperthermia is observable at the beginning but then little or not high

Typical sign of the disease

No description

Pictures

See below

Diagnostic formulas

No description

Differential diagnosis

-Ketosis nerve form NV14                                                                                                                                                          

-Necrosis of the cerebral cortex or polioencephalomalacia NV20                                                                                                        

-Brain abscess NV1                                                                                                                                                                          

-Otite medium NV10.1                                                                                                                                                                            

-Coenurosis in infested area N153                                                                                                                                                           

Confirm a suspicion?

While the animal is alive, clinical confirmation is not easy to obtain; at autopsy, take a sample of the brain, half for the histologist, half in a sterile jar for the bacteriologist, while respecting the regulations for epidemiological surveillance of TSEs.

Prognosis and treatment

Treatment must be early to have a good chance of success; high dose penicillins, tetracyclines. 

Prevention

It is during the production of silage that the source of infection can be controlled: Decide on the cut at the stage of maturity adapted to rapid acidification, Harvest the fodder on the stalk without contamination by soil, - Carry out a significant compaction on a concrete surface and protect it from the air; sealing is necessary. - Add acidifying preservatives if necessary                                                                                                             

The distribution must advance the cutting edge fast enough

References

Veterinary Medicine-Pocket companion -9th Edition BLOOD DC-page 282