Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Horse showing unsteady walk and trouble moving - first case of
By Katayama, Yoshinari et al.·Published in The Journal of veterinary medical science·2003·Equine Research Institute, Japan·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: First case report of Sarcocystis neurona-induced equine protozoal myeloencephalitis in Japan.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 3-year-old male Thoroughbred racehorse imported from the United States developed serious neurological symptoms, including difficulty walking (ataxia) and weakness (astasia) five days after the initial signs appeared. Tests revealed inflammation in the spinal cord and the presence of a parasite called Sarcocystis neurona, which is known to cause equine protozoal myeloencephalitis. This case is significant as it marks the first reported instance of this disease in Japan. Treatment details were not provided, but early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing this condition in horses.
People also search for: horse ataxia treatment · equine protozoal myeloencephalitis symptoms · Thoroughbred neurological problems
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.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12867742/