Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Horse with neck scoliosis and nerve issues - what is
By Mittelman, N S et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2017·New Bolton Center at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine Kennett Square, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Parelaphostrongylus tenuis Cerebrospinal Nematodiasis in a Horse with Cervical Scoliosis and Meningomyelitis.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
This case involves a horse that developed a sudden curvature of the neck (cervical scoliosis) and a loss of feeling in the skin (cutaneous analgesia). These symptoms were thought to be caused by a parasite called Parelaphostrongylus tenuis, which can migrate into the spinal cord and cause inflammation. While previous tests had found this parasite in the brain, this report confirms its presence in the cervical spinal cord using a specific genetic test. This case highlights the connection between the parasite and the horse's neurological issues.
Abstract
There are reports of horses with acute onset acquired cervical scoliosis and cutaneous analgesia. The underlying dorsal gray column myelitis that produces these neurologic signs has been only presumptively attributed to migration of Parelaphostrongylus tenuis within the spinal cord. Despite previous confirmation brain by polymerase chain reaction testing, of P. tenuis within the brain of horses by polymerase chain reaction testing, genetic testing has failed to definitively identify the presence of this parasite in cases of equine myelitis. This case report provides molecular confirmation via polymerase chain reaction of P. tenuis within the cervical spinal cord of a horse with scoliosis and cutaneous analgesia.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28317172/