Cerebral coenurosis in a goat: pathological findings and literature review

Abstract

Cerebral coenurosis is caused by Coenurus cerebralis, the larval stage of Taenia multiceps, particularly in goats and sheep. In this case report, we describe gross and histopathological characteristics of cerebral coenurosis in a goat. An 18-month-old goat with neurologic signs including circling and behavioural changes was referred to Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Shahrekord. At necropsy, a 4-cm-diameter, fluid-filled and superficial cyst with white clusters of scolices was found in the right cerebrum. At the cut section, in addition to the superficial cyst, a deep compartment was seen in the right cerebral hemisphere that caused severe pressure atrophy of cerebral grey and white matter. A narrow opening was located between these compartments. There were 300 scolices within the superficial compartment of the cyst and none in the deep compartment. Histopathological examination of the affected cerebral hemisphere revealed multiple scolices growing on the internal layer of the cyst, neuronal degeneration and necrosis, demyelination, hyperaemia, perivascular cuffing, diffuse microgliosis and astrocytosis. Based on the results of this study and other related studies, coenurosis has to be considered as a differential diagnosis in cases with neurologic signs.