Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Horse with weakness and tremors - what could be wrong?
By Step, D L et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·1993·Department of Large Animal Medicine·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Motor neuron degeneration in a horse.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 9-year-old Quarter Horse mare was brought in because she was losing weight, becoming weak, and showing muscle tremors and behavioral changes. After various tests, including blood work and muscle examinations, the vet diagnosed her with motor neuron degeneration, a condition affecting the nerves that control muscles. While the exact cause of her condition wasn't determined, the vet ruled out several other potential issues. Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment for motor neuron degeneration, and management focuses on supportive care.
People also search for: horse weight loss tremors · Quarter Horse muscle atrophy · motor neuron degeneration in horses
Abstract
A 9-year-old Quarter Horse mare was examined because of progressive weight loss, weakness, muscle atrophy and tremors, and behavioral change. Selenium and glutathione peroxidase assays, blood lead analysis, erythrocyte transketolase analysis, pseudorabies and Borrelia burgdorferi serology, electromyography, and CSF analysis were performed. Motor neuron degeneration was diagnosed by microscopic examination of neural tissues. The cause of the disease was not substantiated, but several possibilities were excluded via diagnostic testing. Diagnosis of motor neuron degeneration in horses may be made from an accurate history, thorough neurologic examination, and ancillary testing. In particular, antemortem diagnosis may be based on finding scattered angular atrophy of predominantly type-1 or of type-1 and -2 skeletal muscle fibers in frozen sections of muscle biopsy specimens.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8420912/