Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Suspected protozoal myeloencephalitis in a two-month-old colt.
- Journal:
- The Veterinary record
- Year:
- 2001
- Authors:
- Gray, L C et al.
- Affiliation:
- Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A two-month-old Appaloosa colt started showing signs of neurological problems shortly after birth, which affected several cranial nerves. The veterinarians considered various possible causes, including birth defects, infections, trauma, or nutritional issues. To investigate, they performed several tests, including analyzing the fluid around the brain and spinal cord, checking nerve function, and using imaging techniques. The tests showed signs of nerve damage and confirmed the presence of antibodies related to a protozoal infection called equine protozoal myeloencephalitis. After two months of treatment with specific medications, the colt improved and returned to nearly normal neurological function.
Abstract
A two-month-old Appaloosa colt developed neurological signs shortly after birth involving deficits affecting cranial nerves IV, VII, VIII, IX, X and XII, and possibly nerve VI. The most likely differential diagnoses were congenital anomalies, meningoencephalitides, trauma or nutritional causes. The foal was investigated by the analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), electromyelography (EMG), brain auditory evoked responses, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), peripheral nerve biopsy, and Western blot analysis for the presence of intrathecal antibodies to Sarcocystis neurona, the causative agent of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis. Significantly abnormal EMG findings included spontaneous electrical activity of the tongue, suggesting denervation. The MRI was useful in ruling out masses, congenital anomalies and focal abscessation. The cytology of CSF revealed mild mononuclear reactivity. Western blot testing of CSF was positive, indicating the intrathecal presence of antibodies to S neurona. The foal was treated with pyrimethamine and trimethoprim-sulphadiazine for two months and returned to nearly normal neurologic status.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11558662/