Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Bacterial meningitis and brain abscesses secondary to infectious disease processes involving the head in horses: seven cases (1980-2001).
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 2004
- Authors:
- Smith, Jennifer J et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Sciences · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
This study looked at seven adult horses that developed serious brain infections, specifically bacterial meningitis or brain abscesses, due to infections in their heads. The researchers reviewed medical records from several veterinary institutions to find cases where these infections were confirmed without any signs of a broader systemic infection. They found that the initial infections often started in areas like the sinuses or around the eyes. Unfortunately, three of the horses died suddenly before they could be treated, and one died shortly after being hospitalized. The other three horses had to be euthanized because their condition worsened quickly. Overall, this study highlights that while it's uncommon, serious brain complications can occur in horses with head infections.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine clinical features of horses with bacterial meningitis or brain abscesses secondary to infectious disease processes involving the head. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 7 adult horses. PROCEDURE: Medical records of Tufts University, the University of Pennsylvania, and the Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center (Lexington, Ky) were reviewed to identify adult (> 12 months old) horses in which a postmortem diagnosis of bacterial meningitis or brain abscess had been made. Horses were included in the study if an intracranial infection was confirmed, the horse had a primary infectious disease process involving the head, and there were no signs of systemic infection. RESULTS: 23 adult horses with bacterial meningitis or a brain abscess were examined during the study period, but only 7 met the criteria for inclusion in the study. Primary sites of infection included the paranasal sinuses, nasal cavity, periocular tissues, and submandibular lymph nodes. Three horses died suddenly prior to hospitalization, and 1 horse was hospitalized but died 7 days after the onset of neurologic abnormalities. The remaining 3 horses were euthanatized because of a rapid deterioration in clinical status. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although rare, fatal intracranial complications can develop in horses with infectious diseases involving the head.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15002813/