Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Onchocerca sp. in an imported Zangersheide gelding causing suspensory ligament desmitis.
- Journal:
- Journal of veterinary internal medicine
- Year:
- 2023
- Authors:
- Brown, Kara A et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Studies · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 5-year-old Zangersheide gelding (a type of horse) was seen by a veterinarian because he had swelling in both front legs and was limping. An ultrasound showed unusual masses that suggested he had a parasitic infection affecting his ligaments. A biopsy confirmed the presence of Onchocerca sp. (a type of roundworm) in the masses. The horse was treated with ivermectin and a steroid called dexamethasone, but unfortunately, he was later euthanized. An examination after death revealed severe damage to his ligaments and confirmed the presence of the parasites.
Abstract
A 5-year-old imported Zangersheide gelding was evaluated for SC swellings over both forelimbs and lameness localized to the distal metacarpus. Ultrasound examination of the SC masses was compatible with verminous granulomas. Linear hyperechoic foci were present within the suspensory ligament branches of both forelimbs, suggestive of ligamentous parasitic infiltrates. A diagnosis of onchocerciasis was confirmed on biopsy of a SC mass. The gelding was treated with ivermectin and a tapering course of PO dexamethasone but was eventually euthanized. Necropsy confirmed the presence of SC eosinophilic granulomas and degenerative suspensory ligament desmitis, both with intralesional nematodes. Given the location and appearance of the nematode, a diagnosis of Onchocerca sp., most likely O. reticulata, was made. Onchocerciasis should be included as a differential diagnosis for multifocal suspensory ligament desmitis with these sonographic characteristics when paired with SC masses in imported European Warmbloods.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36821075/