[Equine motor neuron disease (EMND). A case report].

The research article discusses a case study of a 13-year-old mare who was diagnosed with the equine motor neuron disease (EMND), characterized by progressive weight loss, general weakness, and trembling among other symptoms. The mare was eventually euthanized due to its deteriorating condition, and subsequent examination of its spinal cord confirmed the EMND diagnosis.

Case Presentation

• The article begins by presenting the case of a 13-year-old warmblood mare that exhibited symptoms of progressive weight loss, general weakness, and trembling.
• The horse stood with its head lowered, kept its limbs under its body, and experienced neck muscle spasms when its head was lifted. This led to trembling in its lower neck and ongoing muscle twitching across its entire body.

Additional Symptoms and Medical Examination

• In addition to the initial symptoms, the horse was frequently recumbent, displayed excessive hunger and increased sensitivity in the face. However, it didn’t show any signs of loss of muscle coordination or balance (ataxia).
• A haematology test of the horse showed normal results, implying the absence of any general blood disorders or infections.
• However, blood biochemistry showed slightly increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and creatine kinase (CK) levels, which indicate muscle damage or diseases.

Diagnosis and Euthanization

• Based on the symptoms and the results of the biochemical analysis, the horse was diagnosed with equine motor neuron disease (EMND), a degenerative condition affecting motor neurons leading to muscle weakness and atrophy.
• Due to poor prognosis and worsening of symptoms, the horse was euthanatized.

Post-Mortem Examination

• After euthanization, a histological examination of the horse’s spinal cord was undertaken.
• The examination revealed typical neurodegenerative changes, which further confirmed the EMND diagnosis.