Foal with ataxia and trouble standing - what is cerebellar abiotrophy?

Abstract

Cerebellar abiotrophy is a neurodegenerative disease that affects the Purkinje cells of the cerebellum, resulting in premature neuronal death. In horses, its occurrence has been reported mainly in the Arabian breed as a congenital mutation inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. The objective of this study was to describe the case of cerebellar abiotrophy in a Quarter Horse foal. An 8-day-old foal was treated after presenting signs of ataxia, hypermetria, difficulty maintaining a standing position, and decreased menace response. The foal was hospitalized for 26 days, received treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics, dexamethasone, dimethyl sulfoxide, vitamins B1 and C, and showed a positive response, but relapsed after cessation of therapy. Given the poor prognosis, the animal was euthanized. Postmortem examination revealed degeneration and necrosis of Purkinje neurons and proliferation of glial cells. The clinical signs and pathological findings were compatible with cerebellar abiotrophy. It is important for the breed that cases of foals with cerebellar syndrome be investigated, while new studies are conducted to identify a possible genetic mutation as is the case in the Arabian breed.