Sarcocystis fayeri–Induced Granulomatous and Eosinophilic Myositis in Two Related Horses

A new article from Veterinary Pathology is available from Sagepub.com entitled “Sarcocystis fayeri–Induced Granulomatous and Eosinophilic Myositis in 2 Related Horses.”Researchers from Oklahoma State University and the University of Tennessee noted that, “Sarcocystosis should be considered a rare cause of granulomatous eosinophilic myositis and choke in horses.”

Following is the abstract. You may log in to read this article or purchase access.

Abstract

This report describes 2 genetically related paint mares, case Nos. 1 and 2, presented to the Oklahoma State University Boren Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital for chronic weight loss and abnormal gait, respectively. Notable findings in both cases included marked persistent eosinophilia and multiple intramuscular lateral thoracic masses. Histologic examination of masses revealed eosinophilic, centrally necrotic granulomas and marked eosinophilic myositis. Granulomas in case No. 1 also contained intralesional Sarcocystis sp material, and adjacent muscle fibers contained intact protozoal cysts. Case No. 1 developed severe refractory muscle pain and recurrent esophageal dysphagia. At necropsy, disseminated, grossly visible granulomas were present throughout all examined striated muscles. Nested polymerase chain reaction of the 18S rRNA gene revealed >99% homology with Sarcocystis fayeri. Sarcocystis spp are apicomplexan protozoa that infect striated muscle of many omnivorous species, typically without inciting clinical disease. Sarcocystosis should be considered a rare cause of granulomatous eosinophilic myositis and choke in horses.

Authors

H.R. Herd, L.A. Starkey, R.J. Panciera, E.M. Johnson, and T.A. Snider, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Oklahoma State University; M.M. Sula, Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, Collage of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee; and T.C. Holbrook, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Oklahoma State University.

categories
tags
Trending Articles
Vernon-County-WI
Wisconsin Horse Positive for EHV
Yearling filly on pasture
Disease Du Jour: OCD in Horses 
Farrier at the hoof care on the horse
AAEP Health Coverage: Barefoot Methodology
Confident female vet standing by horse in stable
How Equine Veterinarians Can Avoid Mental Traps 
Newsletter
Get the best from EquiManagement delivered straight to your inbox once a week! Topics include horse care, disease alerts, and vet practitioner updates.

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
Country*

Additional Offers

Untitled
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.