Klossiella equi infection in a Cheval Canadien Mare.

A study presents the case of a 6-year-old horse that developed a kidney infection caused by Klossiella equi, a type of protozoa, following treatment with a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. The infection was successfully treated and the horse fully recovered.

Background

• The subject of the study was a 6-year-old Cheval Canadien mare that had received a course of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory therapy.
• The horse showed clinical symptoms related to acute kidney injury. This was the first indication of a health issue.

Diagnosis

• A cytologic examination of the horse’s concentrated urine revealed the presence of small protozoal organisms, later identified as Klossiella equi.
• The presence of both sporocysts and free-floating sporozoites in the urine was noted. This had not previously been documented in cases involving Klossiella equi.

Treatment and Outcome

• The mare was treated with intravenous fluid therapy and showed positive responses. As the function of the horse’s kidneys improved, the presence of the protozoa in its urine also decreased.
• After about a week of treatment, the mare was discharged from the hospital.

Follow-up

• Repeat serum chemistries were conducted for up to a year following the mare’s discharge. All the renal parameters had returned to normal within this period.
• Additionally, the presence of the protozoa was not detected in the horse’s urine following its recovery.

Significance

• The study presents an uncommon case where a horse developed a kidney infection caused by a protozoa called Klossiella equi following anti-inflammatory therapy.
• The successful treatment of the infection and the full recovery of the horse provide important insights into the diagnosis, treatment and management of similar cases in the future.