A herd outbreak of equine leukoencephalomalacia.
Equine leukoencephalomalacia (ELEM) affected 6 of 10 pleasure horses in adjacent paddocks at a boarding facility. Four of the 6 affected horses died or were euthanized. Two of 3 horses presented for treatment survived with complete resolution of clinical signs. Treatment was primarily supportive. Dimethyl sulfoxide, dexamethasone, flunixin meglumine and thiamine were administered as anti-inflammatory agents and to decrease or prevent cerebral edema. Fusarium monileforme was cultured from ear corn fed the affected horses. Fumonisin B1, B2 and B3 were isolated.
Wilkins
P A
PA
Department of Clinical Studies, University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, George D. Widener Large Animal Hospital, Kennett Square 19348-1692.
Vaala
W E
WE
Zivotofsky
D
D
Twitchell
E D
ED
D000821:Animal Feed; D000818:Animals; D001929:Brain Edema / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000662:veterinary*; D004678:Encephalomalacia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D005670:Fusarium / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D006736:Horses; D007970:Leukopenia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary; D009181:Mycoses / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary; D003313:Zea mays / Q000382:microbiology*