Cerebellar abiotrophy in a quarter horse foal.

This research investigates a case of a neurodegenerative disease, cerebellar abiotrophy, in a Quarter Horse foal, which typically affects the Purkinje cells of the cerebellum. This is the first time this disease has been found in a Quarter Horse, requiring further research into whether a genetic mutation is involved, as has been discovered in Arabian horses with the same disease.

Overview

Cerebellar abiotrophy is a neurological disorder characterized by the damaging or killing of neurons in the cerebellum, specifically, the Purkinje cells. It’s found mainly in Arabian horses due to an inherited congenital mutation, transmitted in an autosomal recessive manner. The purpose of this study was to report a case of cerebellar abiotrophy in a Quarter Horse foal, which is uncommon.

The Case

• An 8-day-old Quarter Horse foal showed signs of ataxia (loss of full control of bodily movements), hypermetria (overshooting movement or overcompensating reaching or stepping), difficulty standing, and a decreased menace response (a neurological test that evaluates an animal’s sight and reflexes).
• The foal was given hospital treatment for 26 days, where it was administered broad-spectrum antibiotics, corticosteroids (dexamethasone), an organosulfur compound (dimethyl sulfoxide), and vitamins B1 and C. The treatment had a positive effect initially, but the foal’s symptoms returned after therapy was stopped.
• Due to the bleak prognosis, the foal was put down. Its postmortem examination showed degeneration, necrosis of Purkinje neurons, and glial cell proliferation.

Implications

• The clinical signs and pathological findings confirmed the foal suffered from cerebellar abiotrophy.
• This case is significant because it shows a non-Arabian breed affected by cerebellar abiotrophy, suggesting a possible genetic mutation similar to that found in Arabian horses with the same disease.
• Understanding the presence of the disease in different breeds allows for more comprehensive investigations and adequate measures to mitigate its occurrence.
• The study suggests conducting further research to identify any possible genetic mutation in Quarter Horses that could result in cerebellar abiotrophy as seen in the Arabian breed.