Cerebellar Purkinje cell degeneration in a mule foal (Equus mulus mulus)

Abstract

A case of a mule foal with cerebellar Purkinje cell degeneration is described. A one-day-old mule foal was presented with lateral recumbency, obtunded mentation, poor metabolic status (general weakness, congestive mucous membranes, tachycardia, weak pulse, hypomotility and hypothermia) and cerebellar signs. After receiving medical treatment, the foal’s overall condition markedly improved but severe cerebellar ataxia and intention tremors were still present. Three weeks later, physical examination was normal but neurological signs had worsened and the foal was subjected to euthanasia. Postmortem findings revealed lesions consistent with corticocerebellar Purkinje cell degeneration. This is the first case report describing this condition in a mule.

Complex central nervous system malformations in a Dutch Warmblood foal

“…Genetic conditions causing neurological abnormalities are rare but have been documented in several breeds of horses. Cerebellar abiotrophy is a well described condition of Arabian horses but also has been described in Oldenburgs, Gotland ponies and a single mule 15,16 . The abnormality is usually diffuse or anatomically bilaterally symmetrical, unlike the lesion in this foal 17,18 .…”

“…Cerebellar abiotrophy is a well described condition of Arabian horses but also has been described in Oldenburgs, Gotland ponies and a single mule. 15,16 The abnormality is usually diffuse or anatomically bilaterally symmetrical, unlike the lesion in this foal. 17,18 Occipitoatlantoaxial malformation has been described to be heritable in Arabian foals and has been described in other breeds as well, but without known heritability.…”