Nasal and laryngeal rhinosporidiosis in a horse / Rinosporidiose nasal e laringeana em equino

ABSTRACT

Background: The rhinosporidiosis is caused by Rhinosporidium seeberi, an aquatic parasite that occur in flooded regions. The disease can affect several species, including horses. In Brazil, there are few reported cases and the mortality rate is low, thus its epidemiological importance is related to its zoonotic aspects. The transmission of Rhinosporidium seeberi occurs via contaminated water or soil and subsequent infection through mucosal injury where a granulomatous lesion is developed. In horses, nasal mucosa is the most affected area and laryngeal affection is rare. The aim of this work is to describe a case of nasal and laryngeal rhinosporidiosis in a horse, focusing on diagnosis and therapeutics. Case A 07-year-old crossbreed male was referred to the Veterinary Clinics Hospital (HCV) of UFPel, RS, with clinical history of cough and nasal discharge. In the clinical examination, the patient showed a proliferative mass near the nasal septum located medially in the left nostril, tracheal rales and respiratory distress. Hematologic findings were in agreement with the reference values for the species. The tumor was removed with the animal standing using local anesthesia and sedation and the fragments were fixed in 10% formaldehyde solution and sent for histopathological examination. Fifteen days later, the patient was referred for further evaluation in the HCV, showing the...