Factors predictive of abnormal results for computed tomography of the head in horses affected by neurologic disorders: 57 cases (2001-2007).

The study explores neurologic indications that are associated with abnormal findings in Computed Tomography (CT) imaging of horses’ heads suffering from neurological disorders. The research suggests that changes in conscious state and cranial nerve deficits are strong predictors of abnormal CT results, making CT a useful supplementary diagnostic tool for these cases. Interestingly, for horses displaying seizure-like activity with no head trauma or cranial nerve deficits, alternative diagnostic tests are recommended.

Methods and Participants

• The study followed a retrospective case series design and involved the data of 57 horses affected by neurological disorders.
• The information regarding the horses’ identification, medical history, clinical abnormalities, and clinicopathologic findings were taken from their medical records.
• These horses had been examined because of their neurological conditions, and their CT images (both precontrast and postcontrast) of the head were reviewed for this research.
• The data was then subjected to both univariate and multivariate logistic regression for analysis.

Results of the Study

• The researchers found that if a horse had abnormal mentation, its chances of having abnormal CT imaging results were 30 times higher than a similar horse without such mentation abnormalities.
• Similarly, if a horse displayed cranial nerve deficits, its chances of having abnormal CT imaging outcomes were 11 times higher than a similar horse without these deficits.
• However, interestingly, if a horse demonstrated seizure-like activity, the odds of it having abnormal CT imaging results were significantly lower (0.05 times) than a similar horse without seizures.

Conclusions

• The study concluded that changes in consciousness and cranial nerve deficits are strong predictors of abnormal CT findings in the head of horses affected by neurological disorders.
• Hence, CT emerges as a useful supplementary diagnostic technique in horses with these neurological deficits.
• Contrastingly, horses that show seizure-like activity but do not have head trauma or cranial nerve deficits should be considered for alternative diagnostic tests, such as electroencephalography and magnetic resonance imaging.