Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Polyneuropathy of Finnish horses characterised by inflammatory demyelination and intracisternal Schwann cell inclusions.
- Journal:
- Equine veterinary journal
- Year:
- 2008
- Authors:
- Hahn, C N et al.
- Affiliation:
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies · United Kingdom
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
In Finland, a group of horses has been experiencing a neurological disorder that affects their ability to extend their back legs, a condition known as 'Scandinavian knuckling syndrome.' Researchers looked at four horses with this issue and found that 11 out of 17 horses that were fed ryegrass from the same source showed worsening symptoms, leading to the euthanasia of seven of them. One horse was examined in detail and showed signs of a new type of nerve damage that involves inflammation and issues with the cells that support nerve function. This condition is different from other known nerve disorders in horses and suggests that the problem originates in the supporting nerve cells. Overall, the findings could help in understanding and tracking this new disease better.
Abstract
REASON FOR PERFORMING STUDY: A neurological disorder characterised by pelvic limb metatarsophalangeal joint extensor paresis has been observed in numerous horses in Scandinavia for the last decade. Very little has been formally reported and there have been no detailed assessments of the neurological signs or neuropathological lesions. OBJECTIVES: To describe the epidemiological and pathological features of an outbreak of 'Scandinavian knuckling syndrome' in a riding stable in southern Finland. METHODS: Clinical neurological examination of 4 cases and neuropathological assessment of tissues of one case were performed. RESULTS: Eleven out of 17 horses fed on ryegrass from a common source showed progressive clinical signs of metatarsophalangeal extensor paresis necessitating euthanasia of 7 horses. Nervous system lesions in one horse consisted of a novel demyelinating, mildly inflammatory peripheral neuropathy, with BiP/GRP positive rough endoplasmatic reticulum Schwann cell inclusions. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical signs and lesions documented differ from any previously described equine polyneuropathy and suggest a primary Schwann cell lesion. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: The classification of this disease as a novel demyelinating polyneuropathy may assist focused epidemiological investigations.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18089473/