Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Horse very unsteady on its feet - could it be a brain tumor?
By Palmisano, Megan et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2023·Department of Clinical Studies - New Bolton Center, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Intracranial medulloblastoma as the cause of progressive ataxia in a 6-month-old draft horse cross gelding.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 6-month-old draft horse cross gelding was experiencing worsening balance problems, which suggested a possible issue with his nervous system. When he was examined, the veterinarians found signs that pointed to a mild problem in the spinal cord, and there were no signs of nerve damage. Tests ruled out certain infections and showed no signs of pressure on the spine. Unfortunately, the horse's condition continued to worsen, and he was euthanized. An examination after his death revealed a tumor in the brain, specifically a type called medulloblastoma, which is a rare finding in horses.
Abstract
We describe the unique clinical presentation of a central nervous system neoplasm in a 6-month-old draft horse cross gelding. Based on the neurologic examination at admission, neurolocalization was most consistent with a mildly asymmetric cervical, multifocal, or diffuse myelopathy. Mild vestibular involvement also was considered, but no cranial nerve deficits were observed. The gelding was negative for Sarcocystis neurona or Neospora hughesi based on paired serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples analyzed, with no evidence of cervical compression based on contrast myelography. The horse was euthanized because of progression of clinical signs. At necropsy, a mass was identified associated with the cerebellum, and histopathology was consistent with medulloblastoma, which has not been reported previously in the horse.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36433686/