Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Halicephalobus gingivalis-associated meningoencephalitis in a Thoroughbred foal.
- Journal:
- Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation : official publication of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, Inc
- Year:
- 2006
- Authors:
- Bryant, Uneeda K et al.
- Affiliation:
- College of Agriculture · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 13-week-old Thoroughbred colt from central Kentucky had to be put to sleep after suddenly showing signs of trouble walking, blindness, head shaking, leaning to one side, lying down a lot, and having seizures. A closer examination revealed that he had a brain and spinal cord infection caused by a type of roundworm called Halicephalobus gingivalis, which led to significant inflammation in his brain. The presence of these worms was confirmed through tests on brain tissue taken after his death. Unfortunately, despite the findings, the colt could not be saved, and the treatment options were not effective.
Abstract
A 13-week-old Thoroughbred colt from central Kentucky was euthanized after an acute onset of ataxia, blindness, head tremors, leaning to the right, recumbency, and seizures. Microscopically, there was a verminous meningoencephalitis characterized by an eosinophilic and granulomatous inflammatory reaction primarily affecting the cerebellum. Dispersed within regions of inflammation were numerous cross and longitudinal sections of intact and degenerative small nematodes. The nematodes had dorsoflexed ovaries and ventroflexed vulvas, which are distinguishing features of Halicephalobus gingivalis. Intact nematodes, compatible with H. gingivalis, also were recovered and identified from portions of the brain that had been frozen for 5-week post-necropsy examination via tissue maceration and additional laboratory techniques.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17121095/