Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Presumed case of "stiff-horse syndrome" caused by decreased gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) production in an American Paint mare.
- Journal:
- The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne
- Year:
- 2012
- Authors:
- Purcell, Tawna Backman et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Sciences · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A female American Paint horse was diagnosed with a condition known as "stiff-horse syndrome," which is linked to low levels of a brain chemical called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) that helps relax muscles. This mare showed signs of increased muscle stiffness and had trouble standing up. After being treated with a medication called dexamethasone, her symptoms improved, and the levels of the antibodies related to her condition decreased. Overall, the treatment was successful in resolving her issues.
Abstract
Glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) converts glutamic acid into the inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Increased serum GAD (auto) antibody concentrations were found in a mare with increased postural musculature tone resulting in stiffness and recumbence. The mare was treated with dexamethasone which resulted in resolution of clinical signs and decreased GAD antibody concentrations.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22753968/