Familial occurrence of narcolepsy in miniature horses.

This research paper discusses a study conducted on narcolepsy in miniature horses. The study analyzed two closely related Miniature Horses which showed symptoms of excessive sleep and depression and had episodes of collapse, and diagnosed them with narcolepsy based on neurological and pharmacological tests. The study also investigated the pedigree of the horses and conducted a brief survey of North American Miniature Horse breeders.

Diagnosis of Narcolepsy

• The researchers conducted a series of neurological and pharmacological tests on the two Miniature Horses that showed symptoms of narcolepsy which include excessive sleepiness, depression, and occasional collapses.
• The diagnosis of narcolepsy was confirmed based on the results of these tests.

Further Investigations

• Further examinations were done using electroencephalographic (EEG) tests. However, no abnormalities were seen in the EEGs.
• The study also analysed the protein content, cell count, and concentrations of monoamine metabolites in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of the horses. No consistent changes in CSF neurotransmitter metabolites were observed in the narcoleptic horses when compared to normal, unrelated Miniature Horses and related, clinically unaffected animals.

Pedigree Investigation and Breeder Survey

• The research also involved looking into the breeding background of the affected horses.
• A limited survey of North American Miniature Horse breeders was also carried out.
• The results of these investigations indicated that narcolepsy is a rare but distinct syndrome in Miniature Horses, and the cases discussed in the study appear to represent a familial occurrence of the disease.

Conclusion

• The research concluded that narcolepsy, while rare, is a distinct syndrome in Miniature Horses.
• The affected horses in the study represent a familial occurrence of the disease, suggesting a possible genetic link.