Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Equine rhabdomyolysis.
- Journal:
- Veterinary pathology
- Year:
- 2011
- Authors:
- Quist, E M et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 1.5-year-old Quarter Horse gelding had a history of chronic nasal discharge and high white blood cell counts. He showed signs of being very tired and had muscle pain, which worsened quickly to the point where he couldn't stand and had to be put to sleep because his condition was so serious. A thorough examination after his death revealed a severe infection in the guttural pouch (a part of the horse's throat) and damage to his muscles. Tests confirmed that he had an infection caused by Streptococcus equi, which was thought to have led to a serious muscle condition called immune-mediated rhabdomyolysis. Unfortunately, the treatment did not work, and the horse did not survive.
Abstract
A 1.5-year-old Quarter Horse gelding with a history of chronic nasal discharge and leukocytosis presented with signs of increased lethargy and muscular pain. The horse quickly became recumbent and unable to rise and was euthanized due to a poor prognosis. At necropsy, severe bilateral guttural pouch empyema was observed, as well as numerous well-demarcated areas of pallor within the skeletal muscles of all major muscle groups. Polymerase chain reaction testing of the guttural pouch exudate confirmed an infection with Streptococcus equi subsp. equi, and an S. equi-associated immune-mediated rhabdomyolysis was initially considered to be the most likely diagnosis. This report briefly discusses the various etiologies that should be considered in cases of equine myopathy, and it demonstrates the complexity of these poorly understood muscular disorders.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21810618/