Semilobar Holoprosencephaly Associated with Multiple Malformations in a Foal

Abstract

A full-term male foal born in a farm holidays in Maremma (Tuscany, Italy) was euthanized shortly after birth due to the presence of several malformations. The rostral maxilla and the nasal septum were deviated to the right (wry nose), and a severe cervico-thoracic scoliosis and anus atresia were evident. Necropsy revealed ileum atresia and agenesis of the right kidney. The brain showed an incomplete separation of the hemispheres of the rostral third of the forebrain and the olfactory bulbs and tracts were absent (olfactory aplasia). A diagnosis of semilobar holoprosencephaly (HPE) was achieved. This is the first case of semilobar HPE associated with other organ anomalies in horses.

Campylorrhinus lateralis, Bilateral microphthalmia and odontoma temporalis in an Oldenburg Foal

“…). Other aetiologies such as the ingestion of teratogenic plants, the administration of drugs and the exposure to infectious agents, insecticides and radiation have also been suggested (Pintore and Cantile ). Griseofulvin administration to a mare in the second gestational month and the subsequent birth of a foal with severe brachygnathia superior and palatocheiloschisis endorses this statement (Schutte and van den Ingh ).…”