Nasal aspergillosis in three horses.

The research explores a condition called nasal aspergillosis in three horses, characterized by a foul-smelling nose discharge. The study found out that Aspergillus fumigatus was the responsible fungus pathogen for the nasal infection. Although treatment helped two horses recover fully, one horse had recurring symptoms post-treatment, indicating the underlying causes of nasal aspergillosis are still not fully understood.

Research Methodology

• The study was initiated following the referral of three horses suffering from a unilateral, foul-smelling, thin nasal discharge, severe in one horse to the point of intermittent nosebleeds.
• Endoscopic examination of the middle meatus in the horses’ noses showed thick pus or a fungus-induced plaque. However, in two horses, this examination had to be redone under general anesthesia to detect the abnormalities.

Findings

• The fungus Aspergillus fumigatus was found in all three cases, cultured and observed from lesions.
• Septate hyphae, a characteristic of Aspergillus fumigatus, were spotted on smears from the lesions.
• A histological examination in one instance showed the existence of fungal mycelium, a vegetative part of a fungus, within the lesion.

Treatment and Outcome

• All horses were topically treated using a natamycin solution, and two of them were additionally given nystatin.
• In two cases, the treatment resulted in full recovery, but one horse experienced recurrent symptoms, highlighting the need for further investigation into the root causes of nasal aspergillosis.

Conclusion

• The study presents valuable insights into the detection, causative organism, and treatment of nasal aspergillosis in horses, but agrees that the underlying reasons for this disease are still uncertain.