First cases of animal diseases published since 2000. 4. Horses.

The research article lists and discusses first case reports of six novel diseases that were identified in horses since the year 2000.

Introduction

The paper is the fourth in a series that compiles first case reports of new animal diseases, specifically in horses, identified post 2000. The motive behind the series is to offer comprehensive and organised information about new diseases to the veterinary and scientific community for aids in diagnosis, treatment, and further research.

Diseases Discussed

• Disseminated Metastatic Intramedullary Melanoma: This is a type of cancer that has spread from its origin (in this case the skin, where melanoma usually develops) to other parts of the body, in this case, the bone marrow.
• Lipoma of the Extensor Tendon Sheaths: A lipoma is a benign tumour comprised mostly of fat cells. In this case, it had developed in the sheaths covering the extensor tendons in the horse’s leg.
• Meningoencephalomyelitis Due to Salmonella Agona Infection in a Neonatal Foal: This is a brain and nervous system infection caused by a specific type of Salmonella bacteria. This case was reported in a newborn foal.
• Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis: This is a rare, genetic, and neurodegenerative disease that leads to a build-up of lipofuscin in body’s tissues. In this case, it was identified in a horse.
• Placentitis Due to Rhodococcus Equi Infection: This disease is an inflammation of the placenta, caused by the bacterium Rhodococcus equi.
• Right Atrial Diverticulum in a Foal: A diverticulum is an abnormal sac or pouch formed at a weak point in a body part. In this case, it was located in the right atrium of a foal’s heart.

Further Information

Each discussion of the disease includes bibliographical data, the author’s abstract and any other relevant information extracted from individual articles. The compilation will grow in future in case cases have been missed or new diseases emerge.