Streptococcus equi meningoencephalomyelitis in a foal.
Abstract: A 4-month-old American Paint Horse colt was evaluated because of acute onset of ataxia, left-sided head tilt, and fever and a recently noticed heart murmur. Upper respiratory tract infection caused by Streptococcus equi subsp equi had been diagnosed at 3 months of age. Results: Hematologic abnormalities included leukocytosis, mature neutrophilia, monocytosis, and mild anemia. Analysis of a CSF sample revealed high total protein concentration and total nucleated cell count; nucleated cells consisted mainly of degenerate neutrophils. Results of a real-time PCR assay were positive for S equi subsp equi, and a diagnosis of S equi subsp equi meningoencephalomyelitis was made. Results: Treatment included administration of potassium penicillin and fluids, but the foal developed uroperitoneum and was subsequently euthanized. Postmortem examination revealed meningoencephalomyelitis, and S equi subsp equi was cultured from a brain aspirate. Additional findings included suppurative cystitis with rupture and neutrophilic myocarditis. Conclusions: Findings suggest that S equi subsp equi meningoencephalomyelitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis for foals with neurologic signs that have a history of strangles or exposure to affected horses.
Publication Date: 2006-09-05 PubMed ID: 16948585DOI: 10.2460/javma.229.5.721Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This study is about a four-month-old American Paint Horse colt diagnosed with meningoencephalomyelitis caused by Streptococcus equi, which led to physical conditions like ataxia, head tilt, fever, heart murmur and eventually, euthanasia.
Background of the Case
- The research revolves around a four-month-old American Paint Horse colt. The colt exhibited symptoms like acute onset of ataxia (loss of full control of bodily movements), left-sided head tilt, fever, and a recently observed heart murmur.
- The horse was previously diagnosed with an upper respiratory tract infection caused by Streptococcus equi subsp equi at three months old.
Diagnosis of the Colt
- Hematologic test results showed abnormalities, including leukocytosis (high white blood cell count), mature neutrophilia (an increase in specific type of white blood cells), monocytosis (an increase in monocytes, a type of white blood cells), and mild anemia.
- The CSF (CerebroSpinal Fluid) sample analysis revealed a high total protein concentration and total nucleated cell count. Moreover, the nucleated cells were primarily degenerate neutrophils (a sign of inflammation).
- Furthermore, the results of a real-time PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) assay tested positive for Streptococcus equi subsp equi, leading to the diagnosis of S equi subsp equi meningoencephalomyelitis (a severe neurological condition).
Treatment and Postmortem Examination
- The treatment administered to the colt included potassium penicillin and fluids.
- However, the foal’s condition deteriorated as it developed uroperitoneum (a condition where urine accumulates in the abdominal cavity), leading to the decision of euthanasia for the colt.
- Postmortem examination confirmed meningoencephalomyelitis and Streptococcus equi was also found in the brain.
- The examination further revealed suppurative cystitis (a urinary disease), rupture and neutrophilic myocarditis (an immune-mediated disease affecting the heart).
Conclusions and Implications
- Based on the evaluation, the researchers concluded that Streptococcus equi subsp equi meningoencephalomyelitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis for foals exhibiting neurological signs.
- This recommendation is especially relevant for foals with a history of strangles (an equine respiratory infection) or exposure to horses that are affected by the same disease.
Cite This Article
APA
Finno C, Pusterla N, Aleman M, Mohr FC, Price T, George J, Holmberg T.
(2006).
Streptococcus equi meningoencephalomyelitis in a foal.
J Am Vet Med Assoc, 229(5), 721-724.
https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.229.5.721 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, 95616, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Animals, Newborn
- Diagnosis, Differential
- Fatal Outcome
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horses
- Male
- Meningoencephalitis / diagnosis
- Meningoencephalitis / veterinary
- Streptococcal Infections / diagnosis
- Streptococcal Infections / veterinary
- Streptococcus equi / isolation & purification
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Boyle AG, Timoney JF, Newton JR, Hines MT, Waller AS, Buchanan BR. Streptococcus equi Infections in Horses: Guidelines for Treatment, Control, and Prevention of Strangles-Revised Consensus Statement. J Vet Intern Med 2018 Mar;32(2):633-647.
- Luethy D, Slack J, Kraus MS, Gelzer AR, Habecker P, Johnson AL. Third-Degree Atrioventricular Block and Collapse Associated with Eosinophilic Myocarditis in a Horse. J Vet Intern Med 2017 May;31(3):884-889.
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