title: Streptococcus equi meningoencephalomyelitis in a foal.
abstract: METHODS
  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.
authors.affiliation: Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, 95616, USA.
authors.forename: Carrie
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Finno
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Pusterla
authors.forename: Monica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Aleman
authors.forename: F Charles
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Mohr
authors.forename: Teena
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Price
authors.forename: Jeanne
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: George
authors.forename: Tara
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Holmberg
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006736:Horses; D008297:Male; D008590:Meningoencephalitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary*; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary*; D018502:Streptococcus equi / Q000302:isolation & purification*