Leukoencephalomalacia.

This research abstract focuses on the disease called Leukoencephalomalacia in horses. The disease is primarily caused by consuming mycotoxins known as fumonisins, usually found in contaminated corn and corn byproducts. While the disease generally results in death, some horses may recover through treatments aimed at reducing inflammation and edema in the CNS (central nervous system).

Cause of Leukoencephalomalacia

• Leukoencephalomalacia, a disease observed in horses, has its main cause as the intake of mycotoxins labeled as fumonisins. These are produced by a type of fungus, Fusarium spp., that contaminates corn or corn byproducts.
• Contamination by this fungus generally occurs while the corn is still in the agricultural field.

Clinical Presentation

• The standard clinical presentation of Leukoencephalomalacia is a multifocal neurologic disease.
• An essential characteristic of this disease is that it can affect multiple horses within the same herd, indicating a common source of contamination.

Treatments and Outcomes

• The prognosis for horses suffering from Leukoencephalomalacia is generally poor, with most of the affected animals succumbing to the disease.
• However, the study suggests that treatment directed at reducing inflammation and edema in the central nervous system of the horse may result in some instances of recovery.