MIELOENCEFALITE PROTOZOÁRIA EQUINA: RELATO DE CASO.

Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM) is an infectious disease whose main agent is the protozoan Sarcocystis neurona. The parasite affects the central nervous system of horses and can cause neurological alterations like ataxia, paresis, muscle atrophy and changes in mental status. With wide distribution in the national territory, it is important that this disease is part of the differential diagnosis in animals of equine species, since equines with this disease can present from discrete signs, such as a slight decrease in performance, to serious neurological signs. That is why the veterinarian must understand its characteristics and effective diagnostic methods for its identification. A five-year-old Brazilian Sport Horse mare was attended in the city of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, with a history of atrophy in the lumbar region and rump. Also, the presence of opossums on the farm where the animal lived was reported. In neurological examination, grade 2 motor incoordination was detected. The SAG ELISA test was performed, and a positive result was obtained. All findings and the positive test result corroborate the diagnosis of EPM, which led to the recommended treatment, and visible clinical improvement. The aim of this paper is to report a clinical case of EPM in a mare in the city of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, taking into account the importance of knowledge of the epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]