Congenital Cataracts and Microphakia with Retinal Dysplasia and Optic Nerve Hypoplasia in a Calf

Abstract

Case Description. A two-month-old, female, Aberdeen-Angus calf was presented for congenital cataracts and blindness in both eyes (OU). The dam had a reported history of visual defects (not specified) and had produced other affected calves (per owner history). Ophthalmic examination revealed mature bilateral cataracts, attenuation of the iridic granules, persistent pupillary membranes, and dyscoric pupils. Additionally, the calf had a poor body condition, prognathism, dome-shaped head, excessive nasal drainage, limb contracture, and fever. Histopathology of both eyes revealed lenticular degeneration (congenital cataracts), retinal dysplasia, and optic nerve hypoplasia. BVDV IHC detected antigen within only the left eye (OS), consisting of intrahistiocytic and endothelial immunoreactivity within the ciliary body, iris, and choroid. No BVDV immunoreactivity could be detected in the right eye (OD). This case highlights the unique ocular changes present in in utero BVDV infection of cattle with a different immunohistochemical staining profile than previously described.