The common clinical signs of the chronic disease are weakness, depression, anorexia, chronic weight loss, pale mucous membranes, fever and peripheral edema, especially of the hind limbs and the scrotum. Platelet-related bleeding, such as petechias and ecchymoses of the skin and mucous membranes and epistaxis are common findings. Secondary bacterial and protozoal infections, interstitial pneumonia, renal failure and arthritis may occur during chronic severe disease. Some reproductive disorders have also been associated with chronic CME including, prolonged bleedings during estrus, inability to conceive, abortions and neonatal deaths.

Polymyositis has also been associated with CME. Neurological signs may occur during the acute and chronic disease. These include signs of meningoencephalitis, e.g., arched back, severe neck or back pain, paraparesis or tetraparesis, ataxia, cranial nerve deficits and convulsions. Neurological signs may be attributed to hemorrhages, extensive plasma cell infiltration and perivascular cuffing of the meninges.