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Funisitis associated with leptospiral abortion in an equine placenta
M Sebastian1, R Giles, J Roberts
1Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, USA. msebasti@uky.edu
Veterinary Pathology
|September 8, 2005
Summary
This study reports a case of equine funisitis, an umbilical cord inflammation, caused by leptospiral infection in a prematurely born foal. Microscopic analysis revealed spirochetes, indicating a novel cause of this condition in veterinary medicine.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Equine Neonatal Disease
- Infectious Disease
Background:
- Funisitis, or umbilical cord inflammation, is a recognized condition in human placentas.
- Leptospiral infections are a significant cause of abortion and neonatal disease in livestock.
Observation:
- A case of premature Thoroughbred foal birth presented with funisitis.
- The umbilical cord exhibited diffuse yellow discoloration and microscopic evidence of neutrophilic exudate and fibrin.
- Warthin-Starry staining identified spirochetes within the Wharton's jelly.
Findings:
- The foal's placenta showed severe placentitis and allantoic cystic hyperplasia.
- Leptospira was identified as the causative agent of funisitis in this equine case.
- Microscopic lesions in equine Leptospira funisitis differ from human congenital syphilis, primarily affecting the cord surface.
Implications:
- This finding expands the known causes of funisitis in foals.
- It highlights the potential for Leptospira to cause umbilical cord inflammation in horses.
- Understanding these differences is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment of neonatal equine infections.
