Eosinophilic encephalomyelitis in horses caused by protostrongylid parasites.

This research study discusses a case where four thoroughbred horses infected with Protostrongylidae, a type of nematodes, exhibited symptoms such as lameness, circling behavior, and seizures leading to a condition called eosinophilic necrotizing encephalomyelitis.

Introduction and Objective

• The study aimed to identify the cause for neurological symptoms in four thoroughbred horses and establish an effective diagnosis.

Study of Symptoms and Observations

• Initially, the horses showed symptoms like lameness, ataxia (loss of body movement control), circling, depression, recumbency (unable to rise), and seizures.
• The central nervous system (CNS) of the afflicted horses showed pale to dark-red manifestations and foci, leading the researchers to consider a neurological issue.

Discovery of Infestation

• A histological examination of the horse’s central nervous system revealed a condition known as multifocal to coalescing eosinophilic necrotizing encephalomyelitis.
• This condition points towards immune response that the body typically exhibits when it is invaded by parasites. Eosinophils are a type of blood cell that fights off parasitic invasions.
• Alongside this significant immune response, researchers also found nematodes, either intact or degenerated, indicating a parasitic infestation.

Identification of the Parasite

• The nematodes found in the horses were characterized by polymyarian-coelomyarian musculature, a smooth thin cuticle, and intestines lined by multinucleated cells with microvilli.
• These traits led the researchers to conclude that the nematodes belonged to the Protostrongylidae family. Members of this family are known to cause such pathological conditions in horses.

Conclusion

• As a result of the study, the researchers were able to conclude that the horses were suffering from eosinophilic necrotizing encephalomyelitis caused by an infestation of nematodes, presumably from the Protostrongylidae family.
• This finding reinforces the need for regular parasitic screenings among horses to ensure their wellbeing.