Halicephalobus gingivalis-associated meningoencephalitis in a Thoroughbred foal

A 13-week-old Thoroughbred colt from central Kentucky was euthanized after an acute onset of ataxia, blindness, head tremors, leaning to the right, recumbency, and seizures. Microscopically, there was a verminous meningoencephalitis characterized by an eosinophilic and granulomatous inflammatory reaction primarily affecting the cerebellum. Dispersed within regions of inflammation were numerous cross and longitudinal sections of intact and degenerative small nematodes. The nematodes had dorsoflexed ovaries and ventroflexed vulvas, which are distinguishing features of Halicephalobus gingivalis. Intact nematodes, compatible with H. gingivalis, also were recovered and identified from portions of the brain that had been frozen for 5-week post-necropsy examination via tissue maceration and additional laboratory techniques.