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Pathologic Conditions of the Nervous System in Horses. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2022; 38:427-443. [PMID: 35810149 DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2022.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The variety of neurologic diseases which affect horses makes pathologic examination of the nervous system a complex and lengthy process. An understanding of the common causes of neurologic disease, antemortem neurolocalization, and supplementation of the necropsy examination with ancillary testing will help to diagnose a large number of causes of neurologic disease. A general understanding of neuropathology and collaborative relationship with your local pathologists will aid in the definitive diagnosis of neurologic diseases.
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García JA, Navarro MA, Fresneda K, Uzal FA. Clostridium piliforme infection (Tyzzer disease) in horses: retrospective study of 25 cases and literature review. J Vet Diagn Invest 2022; 34:421-428. [PMID: 34238069 PMCID: PMC9254052 DOI: 10.1177/10406387211031213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tyzzer disease (TD) is caused by Clostridium piliforme, a gram-negative and obligate intracellular bacterium. The disease occurs in multiple species. A triad of lesions, namely colitis, hepatitis, and myocarditis, is described in cases of TD in some species, such as rats and mice. We carried out a retrospective analysis of 25 equine cases with a diagnosis of TD; 24 of 25 cases occurred in foals <45 d old; the remaining foal was 90 d old. There were 12 males and 12 females; no sex information was available for one foal. The affected breeds were Quarter Horse, Thoroughbred, Arabian, Paint, and Hanoverian. Most of the cases (19 of 25) occurred in the spring. There were 9 cases of sudden death; the remaining animals had diarrhea, fever, distended abdomen, depression, weakness, non-responsiveness, and/or recumbency. Gross findings included icterus, hepatomegaly with acinar pattern, serosal hemorrhages, pulmonary edema, and/or fluid content in small and large intestine. Microscopically, all foals had severe, multifocal, necrotizing hepatitis. Necrotizing lymphohistiocytic colitis was observed in 10 of 25 foals, and multifocal necrotizing myocarditis was found in 8 of 25. Gram-negative, Steiner-positive, intracytoplasmic filamentous bacteria were observed in hepatocytes, enterocytes, and myocardiocytes, respectively. PCR detected C. piliforme DNA in the liver (24 of 24), colon (20 of 24), and heart (5 of 25). Our results indicate that necrotic hepatitis is the hallmark of TD in horses; the so-called triad of lesions is not a consistent characteristic of the disease in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan A. García
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas
y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mauricio A. Navarro
- California Animal Health and Food Safety
Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California–Davis,
San Bernardino, CA, USA
- Instituto de Patología Animal, Facultad de
Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Chile
| | - Karina Fresneda
- California Animal Health and Food Safety
Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California–Davis,
San Bernardino, CA, USA
| | - Francisco A. Uzal
- California Animal Health and Food Safety
Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California–Davis,
San Bernardino, CA, USA
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Chileski GS, García EN, Lértora JW, Mussart N, Hernández DR, Cholich LA. Hepatic encephalopathy in swine experimentally poisoned with Senna occidentalis seeds: Effects on astrocytes. Toxicon 2021; 201:86-91. [PMID: 34437876 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Senna occidentalis may be accidently ingested by humans and animals. In this study, the percentages of S. occidentalis seeds necessary for experimental reproduction of hepatic encephalopathy were determined in a pig model and the biochemical and microscopic pathology is described in detail, with emphasis on the astrocytes. The experimental groups (G1, G2 and G3) were fed rations containing 5%, 7.5% and 10% of S. occidentalis seeds for 7-11 days. Pigs from the three experimental groups showed incoordination, ataxia, disorientation, head pressing, anorexia, recumbency and depression. In addition, the enzymes aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and creatine phosphokinase increased in all treated animals, which also showed higher serum total bilirubin and ammonia levels than in the control group (C). Microscopically, all experimental animals revealed acute hepatocellular swelling, multifocal coagulative necrosis in the pancreas, necrosis in the cardiac muscle, severe spongiosis in brain white and grey matter, and Alzheimer type II astrocytes in grey matter of the cerebral cortex. These cells were glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) negative in G3. In white matter, a decrease in the positive area occupied by GFAP-immunolabelling and in the number of astrocytes per immunoreactive area was observed in G3 animals (5.35 ± 1.14% and 410 ± 45 cells/mm2, respectively) compared to the C animals (13.93 ± 1.59% and 581 ± 36 cells/mm2, respectively). This loss of GFAP was accompanied by alterations in astrocyte morphology, such as shrinkage of the cell body and retraction of the extending processes. This pig model of ammonia-mediated astrocyte damage could be used to study not only poisoning by S. occidentalis, but also other medical conditions resulting in hepatoencephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Enrique Nicolás García
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, National University of the Northeast, Corrientes, Argentina
| | - Javier Walter Lértora
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, National University of the Northeast, Corrientes, Argentina
| | - Norma Mussart
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, National University of the Northeast, Corrientes, Argentina
| | - David Roque Hernández
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, National University of the Northeast, Corrientes, Argentina
| | - Luciana Andrea Cholich
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, National University of the Northeast, Corrientes, Argentina; National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Argentina.
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Machado M, Wilson TM, Sousa DER, Gonçalves AAB, Martins CS, Castro MB. Uraemic Encephalopathy in a Persian Cat with Chronic Kidney Disease. J Comp Pathol 2020; 180:100-104. [PMID: 33222866 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2020.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Uraemic encephalopathy (UE) is rarely associated with acute kidney injury or chronic kidney disease in domestic animals, and we now report the first case in a cat. The animal presented with hypothermia, apathy, lethargy, depression, severe dehydration, uraemic breath, elevated serum urea nitrogen and creatine concentrations, and eventual seizures and coma prior to death. Gross necropsy findings included severe bilateral renal scarring, ulcerative stomatitis and glossitis, and uraemic gastropathy. Microscopic lesions of diffuse interstitial fibrosis, multifocal mineralization and lymphoplasmacytic interstitial nephritis were seen in the kidneys. There was symmetrical, bilateral spongy vacuolation of the white matter of the basal nuclei and cerebellum and Alzheimer type II astrocytes in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Glial fibrillary acid protein immunolabelling was absent or faint in astrocytes of the cerebral grey matter. UE should be included in the differential diagnosis in animals with chronic kidney disease and neurological signs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mizael Machado
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria, Tacuarembó, Uruguay
| | - Tais M Wilson
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Brasília, Brazil
| | - Davi E R Sousa
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Brasília, Brazil
| | - Alexandra A B Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Brasília, Brazil
| | - Christine S Martins
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital,College of Veterinary Medicine,University of Brasília,Federal District,Brazil
| | - Marcio B Castro
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Brasília, Brazil.
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Mustonen A, Gonzalez O, Mendoza E, Kumar S, Dick EJ. Uremic encephalopathy in a rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta): A case report and a brief review of the veterinary literature. J Med Primatol 2018; 47:10.1111/jmp.12348. [PMID: 29693270 PMCID: PMC6202283 DOI: 10.1111/jmp.12348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uremic encephalopathy is uncommon yet is one of the most severe complications of renal failure. We present a case of acute renal failure and associated cerebral and vascular lesions consistent with uremic encephalopathy in a rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta). METHODS A 14-year-old, female, specific-pathogen-free rhesus macaque presented in lateral recumbency, obtunded, severely dehydrated, and hypothermic, with severe azotemia, mild hyponatremia, hypokalemia, hypochloremia, increased anion gap, and hypercholesterolemia. Due to poor prognosis, the animal was euthanized and a complete necropsy was conducted. RESULTS The animal had diffuse proximal renal tubular epithelial necrosis and loss; regeneration of tubular epithelium was not observed. There was bilateral necrosis and loss of neurons and glial cells in the hippocampus and deep cerebral cortex with edema and multifocal areas of hemorrhage. CONCLUSION We present the first reported case of uremic encephalopathy in a rhesus macaque and describe the associated cerebral and vascular lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Mustonen
- Southwest National Primate Research Center at the Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Olga Gonzalez
- Southwest National Primate Research Center at the Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Elda Mendoza
- Southwest National Primate Research Center at the Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Shyamesh Kumar
- Southwest National Primate Research Center at the Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Edward J. Dick
- Southwest National Primate Research Center at the Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA
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Patton KM, Peek SF, Valentine BA. Gastric Adenocarcinoma in a Horse with Portal Vein Metastasis and Thrombosis: A Novel Cause of Hepatic Encephalopathy. Vet Pathol 2016; 43:565-9. [PMID: 16847002 DOI: 10.1354/vp.43-4-565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A 17-year-old Quarter horse mare was referred to Cornell University for postmortem examination after 72 hours of encephalopathy that consisted of depression, mania, and blindness. A plasma sample and cerebral spinal fluid demonstrated hyperammonemia. Gross necropsy examination findings included the following: mild icterus, a transmural mass in the glandular portion of the gastric fundus, multiple masses throughout the liver, and a large tumor thrombus in the portal vein. Microscopically, the gastric mass, hepatic masses, and portal vein thrombus were composed of similar neoplastic epithelial cells that formed variably sized acini and branching cords separated by a dense desmoplastic stroma. Throughout the cerebral frontal cortex were numerous Alzheimer type II astrocytes. Hepatic encephalopathy was caused by gastric adenocarcinoma, with metastasis to the liver and the portal vein. The clinical and pathologic lesions from this unique case, as well as hyperammonemia and portal vein thrombosis in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Patton
- DVM, PhD, L-229 Mosier Hall, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506-5705 (USA).
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Jahns H, Callanan JJ, McElroy MC, Sammin DJ, Bassett HF. Age-related and Non-age—related Changes in 100 Surveyed Horse Brains. Vet Pathol 2016; 43:740-50. [PMID: 16966453 DOI: 10.1354/vp.43-5-740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Brains from 100 horses, aged 2-25 years, were systematically examined by histopathology at 46 different neuroanatomical sites. The horses were sourced from a slaughterhouse (group A, n = 57), from a kennel that collected dead animals, and from 2 diagnostic laboratories (group B, n = 43). All horses from group A and 26 horses from group B were examined by a veterinarian in the period before death. None of the horses were known to exhibit clinical signs suggestive of neurologic disease. Among the main changes identified were vacuolation in the neuropil ( n = 73), neurons ( n = 32), white matter ( n = 31), and focal perivascular lymphoid cell infiltrates ( n = 35). Spheroids were frequently seen ( n = 91), and 10 horses each had more than 10 spheroids in the cuneate or gracile nucleus. Statistically significant age-related changes noted included intraneuronal ( n = 97) and glial or extracellular lipofuscin deposition ( n = 41), hemosiderin deposition around blood vessels ( n = 60), and calcium depositions ( n = 24). One horse had low-grade nonsuppurative meningoencephalitis; Alzheimer type II cells were detected in the brains of 2 horses. Hyalinized vessel walls in the cerebellum were observed in 1 horse. It was concluded that some histopathologic changes are a frequent feature in equine brains, which has implications for the pathologists involved in equine neurology and disease surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Jahns
- Central Veterinary Research Laboratory, Backweston Campus, Young's Cross, Celbridge, Co. Kildare, Ireland.
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Giannitti F, Diab S, Mete A, Stanton JB, Fielding L, Crossley B, Sverlow K, Fish S, Mapes S, Scott L, Pusterla N. Necrotizing Enteritis and Hyperammonemic Encephalopathy Associated With Equine Coronavirus Infection in Equids. Vet Pathol 2015; 52:1148-56. [PMID: 25648965 DOI: 10.1177/0300985814568683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Equine coronavirus (ECoV) is a Betacoronavirus recently associated clinically and epidemiologically with emerging outbreaks of pyrogenic, enteric, and/or neurologic disease in horses in the United States, Japan, and Europe. We describe the pathologic, immunohistochemical, ultrastructural, and molecular findings in 2 horses and 1 donkey that succumbed to natural infection with ECoV. One horse and the donkey (case Nos. 1, 3) had severe diffuse necrotizing enteritis with marked villous attenuation, epithelial cell necrosis at the tips of the villi, neutrophilic and fibrinous extravasation into the small intestinal lumen (pseudomembrane formation), as well as crypt necrosis, microthrombosis, and hemorrhage. The other horse (case No. 2) had hyperammonemic encephalopathy with Alzheimer type II astrocytosis throughout the cerebral cortex. ECoV was detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction in small intestinal tissue, contents, and/or feces, and coronavirus antigen was detected by immunohistochemistry in the small intestine in all cases. Coronavirus-like particles characterized by spherical, moderately electron lucent, enveloped virions with distinct peplomer-like structures projecting from the surface were detected by negatively stained transmission electron microscopy in small intestine in case No. 1, and transmission electron microscopy of fixed small intestinal tissue from the same case revealed similar 85- to 100-nm intracytoplasmic particles located in vacuoles and free in the cytoplasm of unidentified (presumably epithelial) cells. Sequence comparison showed 97.9% to 99.0% sequence identity with the ECoV-NC99 and Tokachi09 strains. All together, these results indicate that ECoV is associated with necrotizing enteritis and hyperammonemic encephalopathy in equids.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Giannitti
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, USA
| | - S Diab
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - A Mete
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - J B Stanton
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology and Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - L Fielding
- Loomis Basin Equine Medical Center, Loomis, CA, USA
| | - B Crossley
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - K Sverlow
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - S Fish
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - S Mapes
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - L Scott
- Idaho Equine Hospital, Nampa, ID, USA
| | - N Pusterla
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
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OLIVEIRA-FILHO JP, CAGNINI DQ, BADIAL PR, PESSOA MA, DEL PIERO F, BORGES AS. Hepatoencephalopathy syndrome due toCassia occidentalis(Leguminosae, Caesalpinioideae) seed ingestion in horses. Equine Vet J 2012; 45:240-4. [DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2012.00599.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Pillitteri CA, Craig LE. Hepatic encephalopathy associated with hepatic lipidosis in llamas (Lama glama). Vet Pathol 2012; 50:177-81. [PMID: 22492209 DOI: 10.1177/0300985812442692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy has been listed as a differential for llamas displaying neurologic signs, but it has not been histopathologically described. This report details the neurologic histopathologic findings associated with 3 cases of hepatic lipidosis with concurrent neurologic signs and compares them to 3 cases of hepatic lipidosis in the absence of neurologic signs and 3 cases without hepatic lipidosis. Brain from all 3 llamas displaying neurologic signs contained Alzheimer type II cells, which were not detected in either subset of llamas without neurologic signs. Astrocytic immunohistochemical staining intensity for glial fibrillary acid protein was decreased in llamas with neurologic signs as compared to 2 of 3 llamas with hepatic lipidosis and without neurologic signs and to 2 of 3 llamas without hepatic lipidosis. Immunohistochemical staining for S100 did not vary between groups. These findings suggest that hepatic encephalopathy may be associated with hepatic lipidosis in llamas.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Pillitteri
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA.
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Unt VE, McSloy A, Kerbyson N, Ivens PAS, Johns I. Gastrointestinal hyperammonaemia in a 35-day-old Warmblood-cross filly. EQUINE VET EDUC 2011. [DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3292.2011.00285.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Dunkel B, Chaney KP, Dallap-Schaer BL, Pellegrini-Masini A, Mair TS, Boston R. Putative intestinal hyperammonaemia in horses: 36 cases. Equine Vet J 2011; 43:133-40. [PMID: 21592205 DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00128.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
REASONS FOR PERFORMING THE STUDY Intestinal hyperammonaemia (HA) has been infrequently reported in individual horses; however, there have been no studies describing clinical and laboratory data as well as short- and long-term outcome in a larger number of cases. OBJECTIVES To describe clinical and laboratory data and short- and long-term outcome in a large group of horses with intestinal HA. METHODS Multi-centred, retrospective study; case records of horses with HA were reviewed and any horse with a clinical or post mortem diagnosis of intestinal HA was included. Hyperammonaemia was defined as a blood ammonium (NH(4) (+)) concentration ≥60 µmol/l and horses with a diagnosis of primary hepatic disease were excluded. Relevant data were recorded and, if appropriate, data from survivors were compared to nonsurvivors to identify potential prognostic indicators. RESULTS Thirty-six cases, 26 mature horses and 10 foals with intestinal HA were identified. Case histories included diarrhoea, colic and neurological signs and the most common clinical diagnosis was colitis and/or enteritis. The most common clinical and laboratory abnormalities included tachycardia, increased packed cell volume, hyperlactataemia and hyperglycaemia. Fourteen horses (39%) survived to discharge; NH(4) (+) concentration on admission was the only parameter significantly associated with survival. All surviving horses and foals for which follow-up information was available recovered completely and returned to their intended use without further complications. CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL RELEVANCE Intestinal HA occurs in mature horses and foals and can be associated with severe clinical and laboratory abnormalities; further studies are required to investigate predisposing factors and delineate possible differences in aetiologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Dunkel
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hertfordshire, UK.
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Underwood C, Southwood LL, Walton RM, Johnson AL. Hepatic and metabolic changes in surgical colic patients: a pilot study. J Vet Emerg Crit Care (San Antonio) 2010; 20:578-86. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-4431.2010.00597.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Branched chain amino acids supplemented with L-acetylcarnitine versus BCAA treatment in hepatic coma: a randomized and controlled double blind study. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2009; 21:762-70. [PMID: 19357525 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0b013e328309c791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our earlier study has demonstrated that the administration of L-acetylcarnitine (LAC) improves neurological symptoms and serum parameters in hepatic coma. The aim of this work has been to evaluate the efficacy of the LAC and branched chain amino acids (BCAA) versus BCAA, administered in intravenous infusion, in patients with cirrhotic hepatic coma. METHODS Forty-eight highly selected patients were enrolled in the study and, after randomization, received blindly LAC+BCAA (n=24) versus BCAA (n=24). The two groups were similar in age, sex, pathogenesis of cirrhosis, and severity of liver disease. The comparison between values before and after LAC planned treatment showed statistical significant differences in neurological findings, evaluated by the Glasgow Scale, ammonia serum levels, blood urea nitrogen, and EEG. RESULTS After 60 min of the study period, the LAC+BCAA treated patients compared with BCCA treated showed a significant decrease of ammonia serum levels: 41.20 versus 10.40 mumol P<0.05. After 1 day of the study period, the LAC+BCAA treated patients compared with BCCA treated patients showed a significant increase of Glasgow's score: 3.60 versus 1.50 score P<0.05; a significant decrease of ammonia serum levels: 63.30 versus 27.00 mumol P<0.01; a significant improvement of EEG cps/s: 2.70 versus 0.6 P<0.001. No side-effects were observed in our study series. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrated that the administration of BCAA supplemented with LAC might improve neurological symptoms and serum ammonium levels in selected cirrhotic patients with hepatic coma.
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Desrochers AM, Dallap BL, Wilkins PA. Clostridium sordelli Infection as a Suspected Cause of Transient Hyperammonemia in an Adult Horse. J Vet Intern Med 2003. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2003.tb02441.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Taylor JR. Theory of ammonia toxicity as the mechanism of abortion in the mare reproductive loss syndrome. J Equine Vet Sci 2002. [DOI: 10.1016/s0737-0806(02)70058-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Frye MA, Johnson JS, Traub-Dargatz JL, Savage CJ, Fettman MJ, Gould DH. Putative uremic encephalopathy in horses: five cases (1978-1998). J Am Vet Med Assoc 2001; 218:560-6. [PMID: 11229510 DOI: 10.2460/javma.2001.218.560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine historical, physical examination, clinicopathologic, and postmortem findings in horses with putative uremic encephalopathy. Design-Retrospective study. Animals-5 horses with renal failure and neurologic disease not attributable to abnormalities in any other organ system. PROCEDURE Medical records from 1978 to 1998 were examined for horses with renal disease and neurologic signs not attributable to primary neurologic, hepatic, or other diseases. Signalment, history, physical examination findings, clinicopathologic data, renal ultrasonographic findings, and postmortem data were reviewed. RESULTS Of 332 horses with renal disease, 5 met selection criteria. Historical findings, physical examination findings, clinicopathologic data, ultrasonographic data, and postmortem findings were consistent with chronic renal failure. Swollen astrocytes were detected in all 4 horses examined at necropsy. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE A single criterion was not determined to be pathognomonic for uremic encephalopathy in horses. Uremic encephalopathy should be considered as a differential diagnosis in horses with evidence of chronic renal failure and encephalopathic neurologic sign not attributable to other causes. Astrocyte swelling, which was common to all 4 horses examined at necropsy, may serve as a microscopic indicator of uremic encephalopathy in horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Frye
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Colorado State University, Fort Collins 80523-1620, USA
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