Polioencephalomalacia (PEM)Ethiology : Thiamin (B1) vitamin deficiency. It may either be due to the a)destruction of ruminal microflora as in acidosis with the increase in thiaminase producing bacteria (which produce thiaminase which destroy's thiamin) b) Ingestion of bacteria, plants etc containing thiaminase enzyme (eg bracken fern) c) Increase intake of sulphur containing water or sulpur rich plants.
Pathogenesis : Inflamation of the brain resulting in convulsions, paralysis towards one side etc\
Treatment : Thiamin containing preparations, Medications to relieve the brain oedema.