Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
First case report of Sarcocystis neurona-induced equine protozoal myeloencephalitis in Japan.
- Journal:
- The Journal of veterinary medical science
- Year:
- 2003
- Authors:
- Katayama, Yoshinari et al.
- Affiliation:
- Equine Research Institute · Japan
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A three-year-old male Thoroughbred racehorse from the United States developed a serious condition called equine protozoal myeloencephalitis, which is caused by a parasite known as Sarcocystis neurona. Five days after showing signs of unsteady movement (ataxia), the horse became very weak and unable to stand (astasia). Tests revealed inflammation and bleeding in the spinal cord, and specific antibodies to the parasite were found in both the horse's blood and spinal fluid. This case is significant as it marks the first reported instance of this disease in Japan.
Abstract
Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis developed in a three-year-old male Thoroughbred racehorse imported from the United States. The animal showed astasia five days after the onset of ataxia. Histopathologically, focal nonpurulent myelitis accompanied by hemorrhage and perivascular infiltration was observed in the fourth and fifth cervical spinal cord. Immunohistochemically, shizonts were occasionally observed and were positive for anti-Sarcocystis neurona (S. neurona) antiserum. S. neurona-specific antibodies were detected in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid by Western blot. This is the first equine protozoal myeloencephalitis case in Japan.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12867742/