Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cerebrospinal fluid changes in two horses with central nervous system nematodiasis (Micronema deletrix).
- Journal:
- Journal of veterinary internal medicine
- Year:
- 1988
- Authors:
- Darien, B J et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Large Animal Medicine · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
Two horses were diagnosed with a parasitic infection affecting their central nervous system caused by a type of nematode called Micronema deletrix. The first horse was a 13-year-old Paso Fino stallion, whose cerebrospinal fluid (the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord) showed some changes, including a slight yellow tint and an increase in certain types of white blood cells, but normal protein levels. The second horse was a 19-year-old Tennessee Walking Horse stallion, which had more noticeable changes in its cerebrospinal fluid, including a moderate yellow tint, a higher number of white blood cells, and slightly elevated protein levels. Both horses had signs of inflammation in their brains, with thickened blood vessels and the presence of parasites. The changes in their cerebrospinal fluid were not enough to make a clear diagnosis on their own, and further examination of the brain tissue was needed to confirm the infection.
Abstract
Two horses with cerebrospinal nematodiasis (Micronema deletrix) had signs similar to those of other neurologic diseases resulting from parasitic (fly larvae, protozoa, or other helminths) migration through the central nervous system (CNS). In one horse (horse 1), a 13-year-old Paso Fino stallion, the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was slightly xanthochromic (1+), with a pleocytosis (25 nucleated cells/microliter) and a normal protein level (69 mg/dl). A CSF differential cell count showed 15% neutrophils, 56% lymphocytes, 22% macrophages, 5% eosinophils, and 2% basophils. In the other horse (horse 2), a 19-year-old Tennessee Walking Horse stallion, the CSF was modestly xanthochromic (2+), with pleocytosis (81 nucleated cells/microliter) and a modestly elevated protein concentration (114 mg/dl). A CSF differential cell count showed 9% neutrophils, 41% lymphocytes, and 50% macrophages. The CSF changes were consistent with those described for equine protozoal myeloencephalitis and verminous encephalitis. The microscopic lesions in both brains contained multifocal areas of malacia and granulomatous inflammation. Meningeal vessels throughout the brain were greatly thickened and inflamed, and they contained parasites. The CSF changes were not specific and histopathologic examination was required for a definitive diagnosis.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3230559/