Neurological manifestation of cholesterinic granulomas in three horses.

The study investigates the neurological effects of cholesterinic granulomas in three adult horses, describing symptoms such as profound depression, somnolence, reluctance to move and, in one case, generalized seizures. It suggests these granulomas, which are previously been reported in post-mortem examinations, are possibly a result of choroid plexus congestion and hemorrhage.

Overview of the Study

• This study explores the effects of cholesterinic granulomas on the neurological functionalities of horses. The researchers have chosen three adult horses with diencephalic dysfunction due to these granulomas for their case study.

Reported Symptoms

• All three horses showed multiple symptoms that indicated a severe impact on their overall health. These symptoms included profound depression, extreme sleepiness (somnolence), and a noticeable reluctance to move.
• One of these horses even experienced generalized seizures, signifying severe neurological disruption.

Assessment of Cerebrospinal Fluid

• The study also includes an analysis of the horses’ cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). In two of the horses, this fluid was found to be ‘xanthochromic’, which is a condition usually related to the presence of bilirubin or hemoglobin breakdown products. In addition, the total protein count in this fluid was higher than normal.

Effects of Cholesterinic Granulomas

• The large cholesterinic granulomas were found to cause an expansion of the horses’ lateral ventricle.
• This expansion led to secondary hydrocephalus, a condition in which an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid causes a build-up of pressure in the brain.
• The researchers believe that these granulomas result from congestion and hemorrhages in the choroid plexus, a network of blood vessels in the brain which produces the cerebrospinal fluid.