Equine motor neuron disease and retinal degeneration

Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis due to Neospora hughesi and equine motor neuron disease in a mule

“…The presence of afferent lesions (those involving the retina, optic nerve, optic chiasm, optic tracts) can result in pupillary abnormalities, 21 but are also associated with visual deficits, which were not apparent in this mule. The accumulation of ceroid‐lipofuscin within the retina in horses with EMND has been associated with pupil and PLR abnormalities and should be considered in this case 25 . Asymmetrical PLR deficits were also present.…”

Tetraparesis, Hemiparesis, and Ataxia

“…443 Increased lipopigment in motor neurons and capillary endothelial cells suggest underlying oxidative damage. 445,446 Diagnosis. 444 Clinical Signs.…”

Serum CK and AST in equine neuromuscular disease: searching for diagnostic approaches

“…Interestingly, although many clinicians feel that serum CK and AST values must be high before considering primary disorders of skeletal muscle as a cause, mild increases in serum CK and AST (often less than 1000 u/l) are widely accepted as evidence supporting a diagnosis of equine motor neuron disease (Divers et al 1994;Verhulst et al 2001). This is despite the fact that denervation atrophy does not, in itself, result in muscle fibre necrosis or release of cytoplasmic CK or AST (Dubowitz 1989a).…”