Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis: a report of two cases from Western Canada.
- Journal:
- The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne
- Year:
- 1981
- Authors:
- Clark, E G et al.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
This report discusses two horses from Western Canada that showed signs of a brain and spinal cord infection that looked similar to equine protozoal myeloencephalitis, a disease caused by certain parasites. In both cases, the horses had changes in their brain or spinal cord tissue that were linked to tiny organisms that could be seen under a microscope. Although the exact type of organism wasn't confirmed, it seems unlikely to be a type of Toxoplasma, and recent studies suggest it might be related to a different parasite called Sarcocystis. The outcome of the treatment for these cases is not mentioned in the report.
Abstract
Two cases of nonsuppurative myeloencephalitis are reported which clinically and pathologically resemble equine protozoal myeloencephalitis. Lesions in both horses were associated with Toxoplasma-like organisms visible in microscopic sections. Clinical signs and lesions in one case primarily involved the brain and in the other case principally involved the spinal cord and associated meninges. Positive identification of the organisms was not achieved; however, the etiological agent is unlikely to be a species of Toxoplasma. Recently published studies suggest a species of Sarcocystis is involved.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7248890/