Cerebrospinal fluid analysis in horses, cattle, and sheep diagnosed with rabies: A retrospective study of 62 cases.

Objectives: This study aimed to characterize the findings in cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) analysis of horses, cattle, and sheep diagnosed with rabies. Animals: The study included 62 animals (horses, cattle, and sheep) diagnosed with rabies at a referral hospital. Methods: This was a retrospective study using medical records from large animals with neurological signs and confirmed positive direct immunofluorescence test for rabies from 2003 to 2020. The results of CSF analysis are presented descriptively. Results: Cerebral spinal fluid samples (N = 67) from 62 animals (31 horses, 24 cattle, and 7 sheep) were retrospectively evaluated. Of these 3 species, 28% (19/67) showed increased protein concentration, whereas 58% (39/67) presented mononuclear pleocytosis. In total, 37% of the samples (25/67) had protein concentration and total nucleated cell count within the reference range. Conclusions and clinical relevance: Cerebral spinal fluid from animals diagnosed with rabies was either normal or characterized by mild mononuclear pleocytosis and hyperproteinorrachia.

Analyse du liquide céphalo-rachidien chez des chevaux, bovins et moutons diagnostiqués avec la rage: une étude rétrospective de 62 cas. Objectifs: Cette étude visait à caractériser les résultats de l'analyse du liquide céphalo-rachidien (LCR) de chevaux, bovins et moutons diagnostiqués avec la rage. Animaux: L'étude a inclus 62 animaux (chevaux, bovins et moutons) diagnostiqués avec la rage dans un hôpital de référence. Méthodes: Il s'agissait d'une étude rétrospective utilisant les dossiers médicaux de grands animaux présentant des signes neurologiques et un test d'immunofluorescence directe confirmé positif pour la rage de 2003 à 2020. Les résultats de l'analyse du LCR sont présentés de manière descriptive. Résultats: Des échantillons de liquide céphalo-rachidien (N = 67) de 62 animaux (31 chevaux, 24 bovins et 7 moutons) ont été évalués rétrospectivement. Parmi ces 3 espèces, 28 % (19/67) présentaient une concentration accrue de protéines, tandis que 58 % (39/67) présentaient une pléocytose mononucléaire. Au total, 37 % des échantillons (25/67) avaient une concentration en protéines et un nombre total de cellules nucléées dans la plage de référence. Conclusions et pertinence clinique: Le liquide céphalo-rachidien des animaux diagnostiqués avec la rage était soit normal soit caractérisé par une légère pléocytose mononucléaire et une hyperprotéinorrachie.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Serial measurements of Paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) activity in horses with experimentally induced endotoxemia.

BACKGROUND: Paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) is an antioxidant enzyme, whose activity decreases during the acute phase response in many species. Little is known about PON-1 and its role as a negative acute phase protein during septic inflammation in horses, but promising findings about its utility in diagnosing SIRS and predicting the outcome in diseased horses, were recently highlighted. The objective of the study was to investigate the behaviour of PON-1 in horses after experimentally induced endotoxemia. To this aim, PON-1 activity was measured on 66 plasma samples collected from six clinically healthy mares, previously included in another study, before and at multiple time points between 12 and 240 h after intravenous infusion of Escherichia coli O55:B5 lipopolysaccharide (LPS). RESULTS: Compared with baseline values, a progressive transient decrease of PON-1 activity was observed starting from 24 h post-infusion, with lowest values observed between 3 to 7 days post-infusion, followed by a normalisation to pre-infusion levels the tenth day. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that measurement and monitoring of PON-1 activity might be useful to evaluate progression and recovery from endotoxemia in horses. Further studies in horses with naturally occurring sepsis are warranted.

Imiquimod treatment for Equus caballus papillomavirus infection in equine aural plaques.

BACKGROUND: Aural plaques are a dermatopathy associated with Equus caballus papillomavirus (EcPV). This disease affects horses of all ages, genders and breeds, and causes sensitivity of the ears. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of 5% imiquimod cream for the treatment of aural plaques and to compare the PCR detection of EcPV 3, 4, 5 and 6 before and after treatment. ANIMALS: Eight horses diagnosed with aural plaques (14 ears) were used. Three mares with unilateral aural plaques were used as untreated controls. METHODS: Imiquimod cream was applied every 48 h until complete resolution of the aural plaques was observed. Animals were evaluated clinically for 180 days after the end of treatment. PCR for detecting EcPV 3, 4, 5 and 6 was performed using aural plaque biopsies collected before and at 90 days after the end of treatment. RESULTS: Clinical resolution was observed in 93% of the treated ears. Imiquimod treatment promoted the clearance of EcPV in 71.4% of the treated ears. Clinical remission of the aural plaques and changes in EcPV DNA positivity between the first and second biopsies were not observed in the control group. In 75% of horses, sedation was required in order to carry out pretreatment cleaning. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study support the hypothesis that 5% imiquimod cream may be used as an effective treatment for aural plaques in horses.

Factors associated with equine aural plaque in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Aural plaques can be found on the inner surfaces of one or both ears of horses. Despite their low malignancy, these lesions can sometimes cause discomfort and sensitivity in horses, and a loss in commercial value due to their aesthetic effect. There has been a study describing the epidemiological features and the clinical prevalence of equine aural plaques in Brazil. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To determine the clinical prevalence and selected associated factors of aural plaques. ANIMALS: In the study, 891 horses were assessed for aural plaques. The sample group had a median age of 5 years and comprised both sexes and various breeds from different regions of Brazil. METHODS: Horses were evaluated by a general observation of the body and a detailed observation of both ears. Data on the management system, characteristics of the lesions, the presence of ticks and ear grooming were collected for 109 clinically affected horses. An assessment of the frequency distribution of the disease and its characteristics was performed. Association tests were conducted to establish the relationships between the variables studied. RESULTS: In 85% (40 of 47) of farms assessed, at least one horse presented with aural plaques. In 14.8% (132 of 891) of the horses, lesions characteristic of aural plaque were detected. Significant associations between the prevalence of "coalescing" lesions and a "semi-intensive" management system and ear grooming were detected. CONCLUSIONS: The findings confirm the extensive distribution of this disease in Brazil and its association with several management factors.

Dermatological and morphological findings in quarter horses with hereditary equine regional dermal asthenia.

BACKGROUND: Hereditary equine regional dermal asthenia (HERDA) is an autosomal recessive disorder affecting quarter horses (QHs); affected horses exhibit characteristic skin abnormalities related to abnormal collagen biosynthesis. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To characterize the thickness and morphological abnormalities of the skin of HERDA-affected horses and to determine the interobserver agreement and the diagnostic accuracy of histopathological examination of skin biopsies from horses with HERDA. ANIMALS: Six affected QHs, confirmed by DNA testing, from a research herd and five unaffected QHs from a stud farm. METHODS: The skin thickness in 25 distinct body regions was measured on both sides in all affected and unaffected horses. Histopathological and ultrastructural evaluation of skin biopsies was performed. RESULTS: The average skin thickness in all of the evaluated regions was thinner in the affected horses. A statistically significant difference between skin thickness of the affected and unaffected animals was observed only when the average magnitude of difference was ≥38.7% (P = 0.038). The interobserver agreement for the histopathological evaluation was fair to substantial. The histopathological sensitivity for the diagnosis of HERDA was dependent on the evaluator and ranged from 73 to 88%, whereas the specificity was affected by the region sampled and ranged from 35 to 75%. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Despite the regional pattern of the cutaneous signs, skin with decreased thickness was not regionally distributed in the HERDA-affected horses. Histopathological evaluation is informative but not conclusive for establishing the diagnosis. Samples of skin from the neck, croup or back are useful for diagnosis of HERDA. However, the final diagnosis must be confirmed using molecular testing.

A complex CLCN1 variant associated with hereditary myotonia in a mixed-breed dog.

Hereditary myotonia (HM) is characterized by delayed muscle relaxation after contraction as a result of a mutation in the CLCN1 gene. We describe here a complex CLCN1 variant in a mixed-breed dog with clinical and electromyographic signs of HM. Blood samples from the myotonic dog, as well as from his male littermate and parents, were analyzed via amplification of the 23 exons encoding CLCN1. After sequencing the CLCN1 gene, a complex variant was found in exon 6 c.[705T>G; 708del; 712_732del], resulting in a premature stop codon in exon 7 and a protein that was 717 amino acids shorter than the normal CLC protein. The myotonic dog was identified as homozygous recessive for the complex CLCN1 variant; its parents were heterozygous, and its male littermate was homozygous wild-type. Knowledge of the CLCN1 mutations responsible for the development of hereditary myotonia allows greater clarification of this condition.

Detection of Equus caballus Papillomavirus in Equine Aural Plaque Samples.

Aural plaques have been linked to Equus caballus papillomavirus (EcPV). Ten types of EcPVs have already been described; however, only EcPVs 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 have been observed in association with aural plaques. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of EcPVs in equine aural plaque samples. A total of 29 aural plaque samples (from 15 horses) were collected and assessed for the presence of the DNA of these EcPVs by PCR. Additionally, 108 aural plaque samples used in previous research were evaluated for the presence of EcPVs 8 and 9. Previously described primers were used for PCR to detect EcPVs 1 to 8, and specific primers were designed for EcPV 9. Minigenes were synthesized and used as a positive control in the PCRs for the undetected EcPVs. EcPVs 2, 7, 8, and 9 were not detected in any of the evaluated samples, suggesting that these viral types are not involved in the etiology of the equine aural plaque in Brazil. EcPV 6 was the most prevalent (81%), followed by EcPVs 3 (72%), 4 (63%) and 5 (47%), which reinforces the idea that these viruses play an important role in the etiology of the equine aural plaque in Brazil.

DMRT3 Allele Frequencies in Batida- and Picada-Gaited Donkeys and Mules in Brazil.

In Brazil, the production of mules with a comfortable gait primarily involves the breeding of marching saddle mules. This is achieved by crossing gaited Pêga donkeys with horses from the Mangalarga Marchador and Campolina breeds. The DMRT3:g.22999655C>A SNP is implicated in regulating gait phenotypes observed in various horse breeds, including the batida (CC) and picada (CA) gaits found in these horse breeds. We aimed to determine if genotypes influenced gait type in 159 mules and 203 donkeys genotyped for the DMRT3 SNP by PCR-RFLP analysis. About 47% of mules had the CC-genotype, while 53% had the CA-genotype. Donkeys predominantly had the CC-genotype (97%), and none had AA. Both CC- and CA-genotypes were evenly distributed among mules with the batida or picada gaits. In donkeys, the CC-genotype frequencies were consistent regardless of gait type. However, the CA-genotype was more common in picada-gaited donkeys than in batida-gaited donkeys. The prevalence of CA mules and the rare presence of the non-reference allele in donkeys align with previous findings in Mangalarga Marchador and Campolina horses. This suggests that the non-reference allele likely originated from the mares involved in donkey crosses. Our results also imply that factors beyond this variant, such as other genes and polymorphisms, influence gait traits in equids.

Equine poisoning by coffee husk (Coffea arabica L.).

BACKGROUND: In Brazil, coffee (Coffea arabica) husks are reused in several ways due to their abundance, including as stall bedding. However, field veterinarians have reported that horses become intoxicated after ingesting the coffee husks that are used as bedding. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether coffee husk consumption causes intoxication in horses. RESULTS: Six horses fed coast cross hay ad libitum were given access to coffee husks and excitability, restlessness, involuntary muscle tremors, chewing movements and constant tremors of the lips and tongue, excessive sweating and increased respiration and heart rates were the most evident clinical signs. Caffeine levels were measured in the plasma and urine of these horses on two occasions: immediately before the coffee husks were made available to the animals (T0) and at the time of the clinical presentation of intoxication, 56 h after the animals started to consume the husks (T56). The concentrations of caffeine in the plasma (p < 0.001) and urine (p < 0.001) of these animals were significantly greater at T56 than at T0. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that consumption of coffee husks was toxic to horses due to the high levels of caffeine present in their composition. Therefore, coffee husks pose a risk when used as bedding or as feed for horses.

Prevalence of the E321G MYH1 variant in Brazilian Quarter Horses.

BACKGROUND: In the Quarter Horse (QH), myosin heavy chain myopathy (MYHM), which is characterised by nonexertional rhabdomyolysis or immune-mediated myositis (IMM) with acute muscle atrophy, is strongly associated with the missense E321G MYH1 mutation. OBJECTIVES: To document the existence of MYHM in the Brazilian QH population, this study includes a case report of two related QH foals with the E321G MYH1 mutation that had clinical signs of MYHM, with histological confirmation of IMM in one of the foals. This prompted an investigation the aim of which was to determine the allele frequency of the E321G MYH1 variant across QHs using a DNA archive in Brazil. Study design Cross sectional. METHODS: To estimate the allele frequency of the E321G MYH1 variant in Brazilian QHs, 299 DNA samples from QHs used in different disciplines (reining, barrel racing, halter, cutting and racing) were analysed. DNA fragments containing the region with the mutation were amplified by PCR and used for direct genomic sequencing. RESULTS: Of the 299 genotyped QHs, 44 animals (14.7%) were heterozygous (My/N) for the E321G MYH1 variant, and 255 (85.3%) were homozygous for the wild-type allele (N/N), implying an allele frequency of 0.074. Reining horses had a significantly higher prevalence of heterozygosity than horses in other disciplines (P = .008). MAIN LIMITATIONS: The DNA samples were collected from 2010 to 2014. As only registered QHs were evaluated, the results may not reflect the actual incidence in the general population of Brazilian QHs. CONCLUSIONS: The reported cases of MYHM and the high prevalence of the MYH1 mutation found in the assessed Brazilian QH population, particularly in reining QHs, suggests that MYHM should be included in genetic screening. Reasonable control measures are important to prevent an increase in the incidence of MYHM in QHs in Brazil.

Morbidity-mortality and performance evaluation of Brahman calves from in vitro embryo production.

BACKGROUND: The use of bovine in vitro embryo production (IVP) increases the reproductive potential of genetically superior cows, enabling a larger scale of embryo production when compared with other biotechnologies. However, deleterious effects such as abnormal fetal growth, longer gestation period, increased birth weight, abortion, preterm birth and higher rates of neonatal mortality have been attributed to IVP. The aim of this study was to compare the influence of in vitro embryo production and artificial insemination (AI) on gestation length, complications with birth, birth weight, method of feeding colostrum, passive transfer of immunity, morbidity-mortality, and performance in Brahman calves. RESULTS: Whilst gestation length and birth weight were significantly increased in IVP-derived calves, no difference in weaning weight was observed between groups. The passive transfer of immunity (PT), was assessed in IVP (n = 80) and AI (n = 20) groups 24 hours after birth by determination of gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and gammaglobulin activity as well as by quantification of the concentration of total protein in serum. No differences in passive transfer or incidences of dystocia and diseases at weaning were observed between groups. Birth weight, method of feeding colostrum and dystocia were not correlated with PT in either group. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, in vitro embryo production did not affect the health status, development, or passive transfer of immunity in Brahman calves.

Aggrecan, IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α profiles in the Articular Cartilage of Miniature Horses with Chondrodysplastic Dwarfism.

Dwarfism is a skeletal disorder that causes abnormal growth. In Miniature horses, dwarfism can occur as chondrodysplastic dwarfism, an autosomal recessive disorder associated with five mutations (D1, D2, D3*, D4 and c.6465A > T variant) in the aggrecan (ACAN) gene. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of aggrecan (at the gene and protein level) and specific cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α) in the articular cartilage of Miniature horses with chondrodysplastic dwarfism (D4/c.6465A > T genotype). Metatarsal bone samples from eight dwarf Miniature horses were collected for histopathological analysis, and articular cartilage was collected to detect and quantify aggrecan levels through Western blotting and determine the relative expression levels of ACAN, IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α through qPCR. All affected animals presented chondrodysplasia-like lesions with disorganization of the chondrocyte layers and reduced the amount of an extracellular matrix. No significant difference in aggrecan expression levels in uncleaved samples from the dwarf and control groups (composed of phenotypically normal animals of similar age and breed (P = .7143)) was found using Western blotting. qPCR revealed that ACAN gene expression was higher in the affected animals than in normal animals (P = .0119). No significant difference in cytokine levels was detected between the groups. Mutant aggrecan may interfere with normal cellular function, leading to chondrodysplasia and the observed phenotypic findings.

Description of the D4/D4 genotype in Miniature horses with dwarfism.

Four causative mutations (D1, D2, D3*, and D4) of chondrodysplastic dwarfism have been described in the equine aggrecan (ACAN) gene. Homozygotes for one of these mutations and heterozygotes for any combination of these mutations exhibit the disproportionate dwarfism phenotype. However, no case description of homozygotes for D4 (D4/D4) has been reported in the literature, to our knowledge. We report 2 Miniature horses with the genotype D4/D4 in the ACAN gene. Clinically, the 2 dwarfs had a domed head that was large compared to the rest of the body, mandibular prognathism, and short and bowed limbs, mainly in the proximal region of the metatarsal bones. Radiographic examination revealed contour irregularities of the subchondral bone in the long bones and confirmed mandibular prognathism; histopathology revealed irregular chondrocyte organization. To determine the genotypes of the horses, we performed DNA extraction from white blood cells, PCR, and Sanger sequencing. Genotyping demonstrated that these 2 animals had the D4/D4 genotype in the ACAN gene. The D4/D4 dwarfs were clinically similar to animals with the other ACAN genotypes reported for this disease. Identification of heterozygous animals makes mating selection possible and is the most important control measure to minimize economic losses and casualties.

Clinical and Therapeutic Aspects of Brazilian Native Bothrops Envenomation in Nine Horses.

In this retrospective study, clinical records of nine horses with a diagnosis of Bothrops envenomation were investigated. The accidents were classified as severe (5/9), moderate (2/9), or mild (2/9) according to the adapted bothropic snakebite severity score (BSSS). All snakebites were on the head region. The main clinical signs were local edema, blood coagulation disorders, and respiratory distress. The whole-blood clotting time (WBCT) was prolonged in all horses, and five horses presented with uncoagulable blood. All horses received specific snake antivenom according to the BSSS (six vials for severe, four vials for moderate, and two vials for mild accidents), and emergency tracheotomy was required in six horses because of respiratory distress. One horse died after eight days of hospitalization, whereas the others were discharged after nine days of hospitalization. The BSSS plus the WBCT were useful in determining the prognosis and the amount and frequency of antivenom therapy. Snakebite accidents are emergency cases; therefore, rapid and efficient therapeutic intervention will reflect positively on the prognosis.

Spontaneous poisoning by Palicourea marcgravii (Rubiaceae) in a sheep herd in southeastern Brazil.

Palicourea marcgravii (Rubiaceae) is considered the most important toxic plant affecting livestock farming in Brazil. This study describes an outbreak of spontaneous poisoning by P. marcgravii in sheep. Forty-nine sheep died while showing clinical signs of sudden death after having access to the plant. During the necropsy, P. marcgravii leaves were observed in the rumens of the animals. Histopathological analysis demonstrated hydropic degeneration of the kidneys. Monofluoracetate concentration obtained in Palicourea samples was 0.53% (5.3 µg/mg). These findings collectively indicate that the affected animals died from poisoning due to P. marcgravii.

Prevalence of the Mutations Responsible for Glanzmann Thrombasthenia in Horses in Brazil.

Glanzmann's thrombasthenia (GT) is an autosomal recessive inherited disorder characterized by changes in platelet aggregation, leading to hemorrhage and epistaxis. To date, two independent mutations have been described in horses and associated with this disorder, a point mutation (c.122G > C) and a 10-base-pair deletion (g.1456_1466del) in the Integrin subunit alpha2ß gene (ITGA2B) of horses of different breeds (Quarter Horse, Thoroughbred, Oldenburg, and Peruvian Paso). ITGA2B codifies the αIIb subunit of the αIIbß3 integrin, also termed platelet fibrinogen receptor. Horses with GT have been diagnosed in the USA, Canada, Japan, and Australia. However, there are no studies on the prevalence of GT in horses. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of the mutations responsible for GT in horses in Brazil. A total of 1053 DNA samples of clinically healthy Quarter Horse (n = 679) and Warmblood horses (n = 374) were used. DNA fragments were amplified by PCR and sequenced. The genotype of each animal was analyzed and compared to the nucleotide sequence of the ITGA2B gene found on GenBankTM. There were no carriers in the analyzed samples, that is, all animals tested were wild type. Therefore, under the conditions in which this study was carried out, it can be inferred that GT seems to be extremely rare in the population of Quarter Horses and Warmbloods in Brazil, although it is not possible to affirm that there are no horses carrying mutated alleles in Brazil.

Allele Frequency of the C.5G>A Mutation in the PRCD Gene Responsible for Progressive Retinal Atrophy in English Cocker Spaniel Dogs.

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) due to the c.5G>A mutation in the progressive rod-cone degeneration (PRCD) gene is an important genetic disease in English cocker spaniel (ECS) dogs. Because the prevalence of this disease has not been verified in Brazil, this study aimed to evaluate the allele frequency of the c.5G>A mutation in the PRCD gene. Purified DNA from 220 ECS dogs was used for genotyping, of which 131 were registered from 18 different kennels and 89 were unregistered. A clinical eye examination was performed in 28 of the genotyped animals; 10 were homozygous mutants. DNA fragments containing the mutation region were amplified by PCR and subjected to direct genomic sequencing. The prcd-PRA allele frequency was 25.5%. Among the registered dogs, the allele frequency was 14.9%; among the dogs with no history of registration, the allele frequency was 41%. Visual impairment was observed in 80% (8/10) of the homozygous mutant animals that underwent clinical eye examination. The high mutation frequency found in this study emphasizes the importance of genotyping ECSs as an early diagnostic test, especially as part of an informed breeding program, to avoid clinical cases of PRA.

Endometrial Histomorphometry of Anestrous Mares Under the Influence of Different Embryo Transfer Hormonal Protocols.

Aiming to investigate the effects of different hormonal protocols on the endometrium morphometry of anestrous mares, 26 animals were assigned to four different treatment groups: (1) EB2.5LAP4: single dose of 2.5 mg of estradiol benzoate (EB); (2) EB5LAP4: 5 mg of EB in 2 consecutive days; (3) EB10LAP4: 10 mg of EB in three consecutive days, considering that all EB-treated groups received a single dose of 1,500 mg of long-acting progesterone (LA P4) after the single/last EB dose; and (4) LAP4: only 1,500 mg of LA P4. Results were also compared with those found in cyclic mares (control group). Endometrial biopsies were collected before and after the hormonal treatments in anestrous mares, and during estrus and at 5 days after ovulation in cyclic mares (D5). Samples were prepared for histological and histomorphometric analysis. Tissue sections were examined to determine luminal epithelium height (LEH), glandular epithelium height (GEH), endometrial thickness (ET), and glandular density (GD). Similar morphometric changes were observed after EB and P4 were administered to groups EB5LAP4 and EB10LAP4. Five days after LA P4 administration (D5), all the assessed variables were similar between all EB-treated groups. In addition, all variables of the EB-treated groups were similar to the control group on D5. Although most of the LAP4 group variables on D5 were similar to the EB-treated groups (except GD), reduced GD and GEH were found when compared with the control group, demonstrating the importance of estradiol priming before P4 on glandular activity and density.

Frequency of Equus caballus papillomavirus in equine aural plaques.

Despite the reported association between aural plaques and the presence of Equus caballus papillomavirus (EcPV), there are few data regarding the distribution of viral types in different geographic regions or possible correlations for different papillomaviruses and lesion characteristics. We detected the presence and frequency of EcPV (1-7) DNA in aural plaque biopsies of horses from different regions of Brazil and identified the patterns of these infections or coinfections and their possible association with lesion severity. A total of 108 aural plaque biopsies from horses in the 5 geopolitical regions of Brazil were examined. We performed PCR to detect EcPV DNA in the biopsies. At least 1 type of EcPV was detected in 97% of the samples. EcPV coinfection was observed in 59% of the samples. Compared to the other viruses, EcPV-4 was found at the highest frequency in coinfection (84%) or individually identified (32%). EcPV-2 and -7 were not detected. No significant association was found between lesion characteristics (type and distribution) and either the viral type detected or the presence of coinfection. EcPV is widely distributed in Brazil, both isolated and in coinfection; the viral type does not appear to influence the clinical characteristics of equine aural plaques.

Clinical findings of equine leukoencephalomalacia / Achados clínicos de leucoencefalomalácia equina

Equine leukoencephalomalacia (LEM) is a disease caused by the ingestion of food, especially corn, contaminated by fumonisin, a Fusarium verticillioides (synonymous with F. moniliforme) metabolite. The clinical signs of brain injuries have an acute onset and rapid evolution. This study aimed to describe the clinical findings in 11 animals diagnosed with LEM, including cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. Of these animals, 91% (10/11) were horses, and only 9% (1/11) were asinine. The clinical localization of the lesions was 64% (7/10) cerebral, manifested mainly by altered mental state and behavioral disturbance, and 36% (4/11) were brainstem lesions, manifested by incoordination, head tilt, nystagmus, facial hypoalgesia, difficulty in apprehension, chewing, and swallowing food. Postmortem findings revealed that 82% (9/11) of the lesions were in the cerebrum and 18% (2/11) in the brainstem. CSF findings, such as xanthochromia (43%, 3/7), hyperproteinorrachia (50%, 3/6), and pleocytosis (43%, 3/7) were observed. The affected animals showed neurological signs that were compatible with cerebral and/or brainstem injuries. The CSF from animals with LEM may present with xanthochromia, hyperproteinorrachia, and pleocytosis, reinforcing the fact that this disease should be included in the differential diagnosis of encephalomyelopathies.(AU)

A leucoencefalomalácia (LEM) é uma enfermidade que acomete equídeos causada pela ingestão de milho e seus derivados e feno contaminados pela micotoxina fumonisina, um metabólito do fungo Fusarium verticillioides (sinônimo para F. moniliforme). Os sinais clínicos apresentam início agudo e evolução rápida e são decorrentes de lesões encefálicas. O objetivo deste estudo é descrever os achados clínicos de 11 equídeos diagnosticados com LEM, incluindo a análise do líquido cefalorraquidiano (LCR). 91% dos animais afetados eram equinos e somente 9% (1/11) era asinino. A localização clínica das lesões era 64% (7/10) cerebrais, manifestadas por alterações no estado mental e comportamento e 36% (4/10) no tronco encefálico, manifestadas por incoordenação, desvio lateral de cabeça, nistagmo, hipoalgesia da face e dificuldade de apreensão, mastigação e deglutição de alimentos. Comparativamente, os achados post mortem revelaram que 82% (9/11) das lesões eram no cérebro e 18% (2/11) no tronco encefálico. Alterações no LCR, tais como xantocromia (43%, 3/7), hiperproteinorraquia (50%, 3/6) e pleocitose (43%, 3/7), foram observadas. Os animais afetados apresentaram sinais clínicos compatíveis com lesões encefálicas e/ou de tronco cerebral. O LCR de animais com LEM pode apresentar xantocromia, hiperproteinorraquia, e pleocitose, reforçando que esta doença deve ser incluída como diagnóstico diferencial de encefalomielites.(AU)