Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Hindlimb hyperesthesia associated with rabies in two horses.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 1986
- Authors:
- Meyer, E E et al.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
Two adult Quarter Horses were diagnosed with rabies after showing signs of increased sensitivity in their back legs and becoming progressively weaker. A close examination of the first horse's brain and spinal cord showed inflammation in the protective coverings and nerve tissues. Tests on both horses confirmed the presence of the rabies virus in the nerves of their hind legs, but not in samples taken from their upper lips. Additional tests were done on various parts of the second horse's body to see where else the virus might be, including the brain and salivary glands. Unfortunately, the outcome indicates that both horses had rabies, which is a serious and often fatal disease.
Abstract
Rabies was diagnosed in 2 adult Quarter Horses with hindlimb hyperesthesia and progressive weakness. Microscopic examination of the cord and brain of the first horse revealed nonsuppurative meningomyelitis and ganglioneuritis in the cord extending cranially to the 6th cervical segment. Fluorescent antibody test results of both horses were positive for rabies in hindlimb peripheral nerve specimens, but negative in sections of the upper lip. Salivary gland, cerebrum, cerebellum, hippocampus, musculocutaneous nerve, cornea, and optic nerve specimens were tested for rabies by fluorescent antibody technique to determine viral distribution in the body of the second horse.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3957776/