Streptococcus equi meningoencephalomyelitis in a foal.
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.
Finno
Carrie
C
Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, 95616, USA.
Pusterla
Nicola
N
Aleman
Monica
M
Mohr
F Charles
FC
Price
Teena
T
George
Jeanne
J
Holmberg
Tara
T
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*