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Diffuse cerebral encephalopathy associated with hydrocephalus and cholesterinic granulomas in a horse
P J Johnson1, T L Lin, D P Jennings
1Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, MS 39762.
Insights
Cholesterinic granulomas in aged horses can cause neurological signs and hydrocephalus by blocking brain fluid pathways. Intermittent signs may correlate with fluctuating cerebrospinal fluid pressure.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Equine Pathology
Background:
- Cholesterinic granulomas are frequently identified in aged horses during post-mortem examinations.
- These granulomas can lead to significant neurological deficits.
Observation:
- Obstruction of interventricular foramina by cholesterinic granulomas can cause hydrocephalus.
- Diffuse cerebral diseases in horses may present with non-progressive clinical signs.
- Neurological signs can be intermittent, potentially linked to fluctuating cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure.
Findings:
- Cholesterinic granulomas are a notable cause of hydrocephalus in equine brains.
- The progression of neurologic signs in horses with diffuse cerebral disease can be variable.
- Intermittent increases in CSF pressure correlate with intermittent neurologic manifestations.
Implications:
- Understanding the pathogenesis of cholesterinic granulomas is crucial for equine neurology.
- This highlights the importance of considering CSF pressure dynamics in horses with intermittent neurological signs.
- Further research into the management and prevention of these granulomas may improve equine welfare.
Abstract:
Cholesterinic granulomas, commonly found at necropsy in aged horses, may cause neurologic signs by obstructing the interventricular foramina, resulting in hydrocephalus. Diffuse cerebral disease in horses may not always result in rapid progression of clinical signs. Intermittency of neurologic signs may be associated with intermittent increases in CSF pressure.