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Peer-reviewed veterinary case report

Molluscum contagiosum in a horse.

Journal:
Journal of the South African Veterinary Association
Year:
1991
Authors:
Van Rensburg, I B et al.
Affiliation:
Department of Pathology
Species:
horse

Plain-English summary

An adult male horse had a serious skin condition with raised bumps mainly on its neck, chest, and genitals, along with significant swelling in the scrotum. Tests on skin samples showed the presence of specific virus particles associated with molluscum contagiosum, which is a type of skin infection. Despite efforts, the virus could not be isolated from the horse. This case is notable as it appears to be the first documented instance of molluscum contagiosum in a horse in South Africa.

Abstract

An adult stallion presented with a severe papular dermatitis of especially the neck, chest and genitalia. A marked scrotal oedema was present. Histopathological examination of skin biopsies, revealed the presence of numerous intracytoplasmic molluscum bodies in areas of focal epidermal hyperplasia. Electron microscopical examination showed the presence of typical pox virions in affected epidermal cells. Attempts at viral isolation were unsuccessful. This is believed to be the first reported case of molluscum contagiosum in a horse in the Republic of South Africa.

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Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1941892/