Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Aujeszky's disease in horses fulfils Koch's postulates.
- Journal:
- The Veterinary record
- Year:
- 1991
- Authors:
- Kimman, T G et al.
- Affiliation:
- Central Veterinary Institute · Netherlands
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
Aujeszky's disease is a viral infection that can affect horses and was studied in this case. A horse showed serious neurological problems, like excessive sweating, muscle tremors, and unusual behavior. Researchers isolated the virus from the horse's brain and then tested it on two ponies, which developed fever and abnormal behavior a week later. One pony became very excited while the other seemed depressed, and sadly, one pony died while the other was put to sleep the next day. Although horses are not very likely to get this disease, it should be considered by veterinarians when diagnosing horses with serious neurological symptoms in areas where the virus is known to exist.
Abstract
Aujeszky's disease virus was isolated from the brain of a horse which had shown severe neurological signs, including excessive sweating, muscle tremors and periods of mania. Pathological examination revealed a non-suppurative meningoencephalitis. The virus was propagated in cell culture and inoculated into the conjunctiva and nostrils of two ponies. The ponies developed fever seven days after inoculation and subsequently started to behave abnormally, showing severe neurological signs on the ninth day after inoculation. One pony became excited and the other was depressed. One pony died on the ninth day after inoculation and the other was euthanased on the 10th day. Both ponies had a significant increase in serum antibody titre against the virus. The virus was recovered from several parts of the brains and the eyes of the ponies. Aujeszky's disease in horses therefore fulfils Koch's postulates. Although horses do not appear to be very susceptible to the virus, Aujeszky's disease should be included in the differential diagnosis of horses with fatal or transient neurological signs of disease in areas where the virus is endemic.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1850887/