[Equine motor neuron disease: a review based on a case report].

This paper presents a review of equine motor neuron disease (EMND), focusing on a case study of a 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare suffering from chronic weight loss and showing symptoms of the disease. The paper also discusses the similarities between EMND and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in humans, highlighting the importance of vitamin E levels in disease pathogenesis and prognosis.

Clinical Presentation and Diagnosis

The mare was presented with several symptoms including:

• Chronic weight loss even with a good appetite
• General dullness
• Muscle atrophy
• Trembling of limb muscles
• An abnormal stance where all four limbs are located under the body
• Abnormal low head carriage

Certain tests were performed for diagnosis:

• The plasma vitamin E concentration was drastically reduced showing a level of 0.2 mumol/l.
• The electromyographic (EMG) examination revealed denervation, an indication of nerve damage causing muscles to malfunction.
• The oral glucose absorption test was below the reference value, which should be a 40% increase over the resting glucose level.

From these clinical observations and test results, the horse was diagnosed with EMND, which was later confirmed upon post-mortem examination.

Comparison with ALS in Humans

The paper draws similarities between EMND in horses and ALS in humans based on pathological findings. However, it points out that unlike in humans where both upper and lower motor neurons are affected, in horses, EMND largely affects only the lower motor neurons and occasionally, some nuclei of the cranial nerves.

Role of Vitamin E and Antioxidant Deficiency

The study underscores the role of low plasma vitamin E concentration in the pathogenesis of EMND, implying both an absolute and relative antioxidant deficiency could be involved in causing the disease. Moreover, there’s no specific therapeutic treatment for the EMND except for vitamin E supplementation.

Prognosis of the Disease

Despite vitamin E supplementation, EMND remains a progressive disease. Stabilizing the condition is perceived as the best feasible result. The paper concludes by noting the less than optimal prognosis for horses diagnosed with the disease.