Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Horse with sudden brain problems - could it be a worm?
By Mayhew, I G et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·1982·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Migration of a spiruroid nematode through the brain of a horse.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 10-year-old Paint mare was brought in for sudden neurological issues, showing signs of brain stem disease. Despite normal blood tests and spinal fluid analysis, the vet suspected a serious condition and started treatment with trimethoprim-sulfadiazine. Although the mare showed improvement for five weeks, her symptoms worsened, leading to euthanasia. A post-mortem examination revealed damage in her brain and identified a parasitic worm as the cause of her problems.
People also search for: horse neurological problems · mare brain disease · Draschia megastoma treatment · equine protozoal myeloencephalitis symptoms
Abstract
A pregnant 10-year-old Paint mare was examined because of an acute neurologic disturbance. Physical examination revealed signs consistent with extensive, asymmetric brain stem disease. The hemogram, serum chemical panel, and results of lumbosacral spinal fluid analysis were within normal limits. A primary diagnosis of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis was considered, and the mare was placed on treatment with trimethoprim-sulfadiazine. After 5 weeks of steady improvement, an acute exacerbation of neurologic signs necessitated euthanasia of the mare. At necropsy, large, malacic tracts were found extending through the brain stem and cerebral cortex. Cross sections of a nematode were observed microscopically and subsequently were identified as belonging to a single gravid female Draschia megastoma.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7096171/