Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis caused by Neospora hughesi in an adult horse in Saskatchewan.
Abstract: A protozoal parasite identified as Neospora hughesi was found in inflammatory lesions in the central nervous system of a Canadian-born adult horse presented with neurological signs. This is believed to be the first case of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) caused by Neospora hughesi in a horse outside of the United States. Un parasite protozoaire identifié comme a été trouvé dans les lésions inflammatoires du système nerveux central d’un cheval adulte né au Canada présentant des signes neurologiques. On croit qu’il s’agit du premier cas d’encéphalomyélite protozoaire équine causé par chez un cheval à l’extérieur des États-Unis. (Traduit par Isabelle Vallières)
Publication Date: 2009-11-03 PubMed ID: 19881924PubMed Central: PMC2711471
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- Case Reports
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The studied research reports a case of a neurological condition known as equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM), caused by the protozoal parasite Neospora hughesi, in an adult horse in Canada. This is seen as the first such reported instance outside of the United States.
Introduction to Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM)
- EPM is a neurological disorder affecting horses, caused by the microscopic parasite Neospora hughesi.
- This condition is known for leading to extensive inflammation in the brain and spinal cord, resulting in a variety of neurological signs.
Case Study
- The paper investigates a case involving a Canadian-born adult horse. The horse presented with neurological symptoms indicative of central nervous system involvement.
- The horse was diagnosed with EPM, following the discovery of Neospora hughesi within inflammatory lesions in the horse’s central nervous system.
Significance
- The importance of this research stems from the fact that this is considered the first recorded instance of EPM induced by Neospora hughesi outside of the United States.
- Previous known cases have typically been documented within the US, implicating a potential geographical expansion of the disease, which warrants further investigation in considerations of equine health care management.
Conclusion
- The study exposes a new geographical region where EPM, a notoriously debilitating and sometimes fatal disease in horses, is detected, emphasizing the need for further research on disease spread and effective treatment protocols.
- Such findings are vital in improving diagnostic processes, developing better treatment strategies, and finally understanding the geographical distribution and transmission routes of the disease causing parasites.
Cite This Article
APA
Wobeser BK, Godson DL, Rejmanek D, Dowling P.
(2009).
Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis caused by Neospora hughesi in an adult horse in Saskatchewan.
Can Vet J, 50(8), 851-853.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B4. wobeser@usask.ca
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Coccidiosis / diagnosis
- Coccidiosis / veterinary
- Encephalomyelitis / diagnosis
- Encephalomyelitis / parasitology
- Encephalomyelitis / veterinary
- Fatal Outcome
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horse Diseases / parasitology
- Horses
- Male
- Neospora / isolation & purification
- Saskatchewan
References
This article includes 13 references
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