vache dont les pattes arrière sont tendues involontairement
Crampy in Holstein
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Diseases studied
Crampy in Holstein

Crampy or Bovine spastic Syndrome (BSS): search for cases

In the Holstein breed there has been a resurgence of the spastic syndrom. This disease is described as having a heriditary component in the USA and Canada. The National Observatory for bovine genetic diseases is looking for confirmed cases of crampy. A case is considered as confirmed if all the following major inclusion criteria are present. Certain minor criteria may also be present.

The simplified and specialized declaration form is accessible here

Major criteria:

  • Age: > 3 years
  • Sex: male and female
  • Breed: Prim’ Holstein
  • Sudden and involuntary contraction of the extensor and abductor muscles of one or both hind limbs that occurs:
    • episodically (length: lasting a few seconds up to 30 minutes)
    • repeatedly
    • when the animal is standing

Minor criteria:

  • Worsening over time
  • Concomitant contraction of the lumbar muscles (lumbar lordosis)
  • Concomitant muscle contractions of the affected limb
  • Thoracic kyphosis (rounded upper back)
  • Concomitant contraction of neck muscles (tête tendue)
  • Contraction concomitante des muscles du cou (tête tendue)
  • Exacerbation des crampes en bâtiment, suite à une stimulation (stress, levé de l’animal, …) et sur des sols durs

If you observe such a cas on a farm, please send us the complete national number of the animal and a blood sample (1-2 tubes EDTA) + the information sheet, by colissimo, stating "Holstein Bovine Spastic Syndrome" to: 

Cécile GROHS, centre INRAE IdF, UMR1313 GABI, Bât. 440, 4 rue Jean Jaurès, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas

Veterinarians may present an invoice if necessary. 

Follow this link for a video.

See also

For veterinarians, see the index of VétoFocus at "spastic syndrome ", along with the latest case descirbed by JM Nicol du 12/10/2014.

In Canada, a similar study was underway with Lactanet (article from13 Septembre 2021). You may consult their page by following the link below.

https://lactanet.ca/donnees-sur-le-syndrome-spastique-bovin/

Modification date: 19 September 2025 | Publication date: 29 October 2014 | By: ONAB