rifampin and Ataxia

A young goat was presented with a left spastic hemiparesis and general proprioceptive ataxia with postural reaction deficits, a right head tilt and positional nystagmus. Seizure-like activity was elicited by rapid changes in the position of the animal's head. The neurological signs and quality of the seizure activity suggested a lesion involving the medulla and possibly the cerebellum. A focal lesion at the level of the left cerebellar peduncles could explain the left hemiparesis and right paradoxical vestibular signs. A large encapsulated abscess was found at the confluence of the left cerebellar peduncles. The morphology and staining characteristics of the organisms within the abscess were consistent with Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis.

Topics: Animals; Ataxia; Brain; Brain Abscess; Cerebellar Diseases; Corynebacterium Infections; Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis; Diagnosis, Differential; Diazepam; Goat Diseases; Goats; Hemiplegia; Male; Neurologic Examination; Penicillin G Procaine; Rifampin; Seizures