Late Onset of Cerebellar Abiotrophy in a Holstein Heifer

SUMMARY A 22 month-old Holstein heifer presented with progressive signs of cerebellar dysfunction and emaciation of one-month duration, with gradual worsening. Gross and microscopic examination of the cerebellum was consistent with cerebellar abiotrophy, a condition characterized by premature death of Purkinje cells. The disease is supposed to be inherited in bovines; however in the present case, the onset of clinical signs was remarkably late.