PAKISTAN
VETERINARY
JOURNAL
     
 
previous page   Pak Vet J, 2013, 33(2): 257-259   next page
 
Subclinical Theileria Equi Infection and Rhabdomyolysis in Three Endurance Horses
 
A. Muñoz1,2*, R. G. M. Rodríguez2, C. Riber1,2, P. Trigo2, M. Gómez-Díez2 and F. Castejon2
1Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery; 2Equine Sport Medicine Center (CEMEDE), School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain *Corresponding author: pv1mujua@uco.es

Abstract   

Three well-trained endurance horses, competing over different distances, developed sudden and unexpected rhabdomyolysis at the onset of exercise. They were treated and afterwards they did not have any other bout of muscle damage. All of them were positive to Theileria equi (polymerase reaction chain). The possible reasons of the rhabdomyolysis could have been the direct effect of the parasite on the muscle and/or the result of the anemia and a limited oxygen supply to the exercising muscles. It is suggested that the horses were carriers of Theileria and they developed clinical signs because of the immune-suppression caused by prolonged submaximal exercise and/or transportation.

Key words: Exercise, Horses, Performance, Rhabdomyolysis, Theileria equi

 
   

ISSN 0253-8318 (Print)
ISSN 2074-7764 (Online)



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