The use of electro-encephalography and brain biopsy in the clinical diagnosis of heartwater.

Both electro-encephalography and brain biopsy were examined as possible aids in the confirmation of a clinical diagnosis of heartwater in field cases. Results showed that electro-encephalographic changes associated with heartwater were non-specific and probably caused by the associated brain oedema. Brain biopsy on the other hand appears to be a reliable technique for the confirmation of heartwater, and the technique if properly performed holds little risk for the animal.