Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Systemic Toxoplasmosis in a Horse.
- Journal:
- Journal of comparative pathology
- Year:
- 2021
- Authors:
- Kimble, Katelyn M et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A male American Quarter Horse gelding, who was losing weight, suddenly developed colic (abdominal pain), a fever, soft stools, and high liver enzyme levels. After the horse passed away, a thorough examination revealed abnormal growths in the stomach and signs of severe damage in the cecum (part of the intestine). Further testing showed that these growths were inflamed lymph nodes containing a type of parasite called Toxoplasma gondii, which is known to cause illness. This case is significant because, while Toxoplasma gondii has been found in horses before, this is the first time it has been reported to cause clinical illness in a horse.
Abstract
An adult American Quarter Horse gelding with a history of weight loss presented with an acute onset of colic, fever, soft faeces and elevated liver enzymes. At necropsy, there were gastric mucosal masses and evidence of caecal necrosis. Histologically, the masses were lymph nodes with granulomatous inflammation and areas of liquefactive necrosis. Within and surrounding necrotic areas were free and intrahistiocytic clusters of protozoal tachyzoites. Similar but milder inflammation was evident in the spleen, lungs and liver. Necrotizing typhlitis was also evident. Immunolabelling for Toxoplasma gondii was positive and the ultrastructural morphology of the protozoa was compatible with T. gondii. Although studies have shown seropositivity to T. gondii in horses throughout the world, this is the first report of clinical toxoplasmosis in this species.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33494904/