Characterization of experimentally induced equine leukoencephalomalacia (ELEM) in ponies (Equus caballus) : preliminary report
Brownie, C.F.; Cullen, J.
Veterinary and Human Toxicology 29(1): 34-38
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0145-6296 PMID: 3824873 Document Number: 290108
An isolate of Fusarium moniliforme (M-1225 Cairo 1) was cultured on autoclaved corn and fed daily to 5 ponies at a rate of 2.5 g corn/kg body wt. One pony developed clinical signs of toxicity after 28 days and was killed. The remaining 4 ponies developed no clinical sign of toxicity even after extended exposure. Haematological values, serum chemistry, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and liver and brain pathology were evaluated as possible diagnostic and prognostic indicators. Haematological values were not informative. Aspartate aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase activities were elevated only in the clinically positive pony. Examination of CSF showed elevated myelin basic protein levels (>14 ng/ml; normal <2.0 ng/ml) and cytological changes consistent with chronic inflammation in the clinically positive pony. Chronic inflammation was also seen in one clinically normal pony. Cytoplasmic vacuolation and clumping were observed in the hepatocytes of all ponies. Brain lesions were consistent with ELEM in the clinically positive pony.