Thiamine deficiency encephalopathy in mink

Abstract

Tissue lesions of thiamine deficiency in mink (Mustela vison) are predominantly located in the brain. Macroscopic lesions are bilateral symmetrical hemorrhages in the brain stem. Microscopically, signs of disturbance of vascular permeability and proliferation of endothelial cells may be found. Other lesions include a spongy appearance of the neuropil, homogenisation of axons, focal demyelination and occasionally malacias. Ischemic degeneration of neurons may be present in nuclei of the brain stem. The histologic lesions in some areas are similar to those of the pseudoencephalitic syndrome which is characteristic for Wernicke's encephalopathy in man.