Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Migration of a spiruroid nematode through the brain of a horse.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 1982
- Authors:
- Mayhew, I G et al.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 10-year-old Paint mare that was pregnant showed sudden signs of serious brain problems. Tests on her blood and spinal fluid came back normal, but the vet suspected a condition called equine protozoal myeloencephalitis, which affects the brain and spinal cord. She was treated with a medication for five weeks and seemed to get better, but then her symptoms worsened, leading to the difficult decision to euthanize her. During the examination after her death, the vets found significant damage in her brain and discovered a large female worm, identified as Draschia megastoma, which had migrated through her brain. Unfortunately, despite initial improvement, the treatment did not ultimately save her.
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: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7096171/