Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Unusual selective immunoglobulin deficiency in an Arabian foal.
- Journal:
- Journal of veterinary internal medicine
- Year:
- 1992
- Authors:
- Boy, M G et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Studies · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 10-month-old Arabian foal was examined because it was suspected to have a problem with its immune system, specifically a deficiency in a type of antibody called IgM. Tests showed that the foal had very low levels of IgM, IgA, and a specific type of IgG, while another type of IgG was normal. Further testing indicated that the foal's immune cells did not respond well to certain stimuli, although they reacted normally to others. After the foal passed away, a thorough examination revealed inflammation in several joints and organs, as well as issues with its lymph nodes and other immune tissues. This case highlights a rare type of immune deficiency in horses that has not been documented before.
Abstract
A 10-month-old Arabian foal was evaluated for a suspected immunoglobulin (Ig) M deficiency. Decreased to nondetectable concentrations of IgM, IgA, and IgG (T), and a normal concentration of IgG, were present. Results of in vitro testing of the blood lymphocyte blastogenesis showed a weak response to the B-cell mitogen, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), but normal responses to T-cell mitogens. Results of postmortem examination showed synovitis of the left tibiotarsal and both scapulohumeral joints. Atrophy and edema of the lymph nodes and lymphocyte depletion in the thymus and spleen were seen. A subacute inflammatory infiltrate was observed in the kidney, synovium, liver, and brain. Etiologic agents were not identified. This case represents a previously unreported form of immunodeficiency disease in the horse.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1522550/