Intervertebral disk prolapse and diskospondylitis in a horse.

The study focuses on an unusual case of intervertebral disk prolapse discovered in a mature horse, which is normally a condition more common in specific dog breeds than in horses. The horse showed symptoms of caudal ataxia and standard test results were normal until the horse’s condition worsened leading to high white blood cell count and high creatine kinase activity in the cerebrospinal fluid.

Case Details

• The horse being studied was displaying symptoms of caudal ataxia, a neurological condition that affects the control of movements and balance.
• Radiography and myelography were performed that showed a collapsed intervertebral space and loss of dorsal and ventral dye columns, which are indicators of a prolapsed or “slipped” disk.

Test Results

• Standard tests such as CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) analysis, CBC (complete blood count), and a serum biochemical profile were conducted which returned normal results initially.
• However, following an acute decline in the horse’s neurological condition, elevated levels of white blood cell count and creatine kinase activity were noticed in the cerebrospinal fluid. It’s worth noting that high white blood cell count in CSF can indicate an infection or inflammation in the body. Also, high levels of creatine kinase, an enzyme found in the brain, indicate damage to the brain or nervous tissue.

Conclusion

• Even though intervertebral disk prolapse is a condition rarely reported in horses and more common in certain breeds of dogs, this case in the study emphasizes that it should be considered when diagnosing horses exhibiting symptoms of caudal ataxia.
• It highlights the need for further investigation when standard test results are normal yet the general health or behavior of the horse clearly indicates a medical issue.