Neurological syndromes among horses in The Netherlands. A 5 year retrospective survey (1999-2004).

Abstract

The presence of toxins or infectious agents combined with environmental factors in combination with a susceptible host can be the cause for neurological disease in groups of horses. During a 5 year observational period outbreaks of neurological diseases among horses were evaluated. Causes of occurring neurological diseases were equine botulism, lolitrem intoxications, equine herpesvirus type 1-associated myelo(encephalo)pathy, and encephalitis caused by (disseminated) Streptococcus equi subspecies equi infection. This article focuses on the first three syndromes because of their predominant influence on locomotion. The pathogenesis of each disease is presented, followed by a description of a general presentation of the diseases as encountered under Dutch circumstances.