Equine piroplasmosis is a tick-borne disease caused by Babesia and Theileria species. Despite its presence in Europe, no laboratory testing is required for animal movement, even though some countries remain free of this disease. Differentiating between species and genotypes is crucial to determine the most effective treatment, as dosage, active compounds, and duration vary. However, diagnosis is often challenging due to genetic variability and the limited sensitivity of molecular methods. The aims of this study were to compare the performances of different molecular diagnostic tests to identify the most effective assay for piroplasm DNA detection and to genetically characterize the piroplasms identified in horses in Northern Italy from 2016 to 2022. Among 63 horses tested, 24 (38.1%) were positive in at least one of the tests used. Four horses tested positive for Babesia caballi with identical nucleotide sequences, while 22 horses tested positive for genetically different Theileria species, including Theileria equi, Theileria haneyi-like species, and Theileria sp. Africa. Two horses were coinfected by Babesia caballi and Theileria haneyi-like species. The best diagnostic approach to avoid false negative results was a combination of different assays. Further studies will be necessary to better assess the prevalence and genetic diversity of piroplasms involved in equine piroplasmosis.

A 17-year-old mare presenting with acute fever, weakness and bladder dysfunction was diagnosed with equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM). The mare become transiently recumbent, underwent parenteral fluid therapy, plasma infusion, steroidal/nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (SAID/NSAIDs) and bladder catheterization. After 10 days the mare was hospitalized. Neurological evaluation revealed ataxia and proprioceptive deficits mainly in the hind limbs. The mare was able to stand but unable to rise from recumbency or walk. Secondary complications included Escherichia coli cystitis, corneal ulcers and pressure sores. A full-body support sling was used for 21 days. Medical treatment included systemic antimicrobials, NSAIDs, gradual discontinuation of SAIDs, parenteral fluid therapy and bladder lavage. The mare tested positive for Varicellovirus equidalpha 1 (EHV-1) DNA in nasal swab and blood samples on day 13 and in urine samples on days 13 and 25 after the onset of fever. Neurological signs improved over a period of 34 days and the mare was discharged with mild hind limb weakness/ataxia. Secondary complications resolved within 2 weeks. At the eight-month follow-up, marked improvement in locomotory function had been achieved.

Meconium impaction is a common cause of neonatal colic in foals, yet its ultrasonographic appearance and distribution remain poorly characterized. This study aimed to describe the frequency, distribution, and ultrasonographic appearance of meconium in hospitalized neonatal foals using a standardized focused ultrasound (FUS) abdominal protocol. The FUS protocol included 9 acoustic windows (3 left-sided, 3 ventral, 3 right-sided) and was performed once during hospitalization by a single operator using a curvilinear transducer. Thirty-six foals (16 healthy and 20 sick), aged ≤7 d, were enrolled. Meconium was identified in 19 foals: 9/16 healthy (seven ≤36 h, two >36 h), none of which were treated for impaction, and 10/20 sick foals (four ≤36 h, six >36 h), three of which received treatment. Meconium was visualized in 6/9 FUS windows, most commonly in the retrosternal window, followed by the ventrolateral windows. The sternal flexure was the most frequently involved segment of the intestinal tract (12/19 foals), followed by the right ventral colon/cecum and left ventral colon (9/19). Multiple acoustic windows were more commonly involved in sick foals. All treated foals had small colon meconium impaction, visualized through the hypo-gastric window. Meconium appeared as a ball-shaped intraluminal mass, with hypoechoic or mixed echogenicity in the large colon and hyperechoic or mixed echogenicity in the small colon. Limitations include the single-operator design, small convenience sample, and use of FUS rather than a comprehensive ultrasonographic examination. In conclusion, meconium detection in foals older than 36 h may represent an incidental finding. The hypogastric window should be carefully evaluated when impaction is suspected. The FUS protocol represents a promising tool for monitoring meconium distribution over time and treatment.

This study aimed to describe the frequency, distribution, and ultrasonographic appearance of meconium in hospitalized neonatal foals using a standardized focused ultrasound (FUS) abdominal protocol. The FUS protocol included 9 acoustic windows (3 left-sided, 3 ventral, 3 right-sided) and was performed once during hospitalization by a single operator using a curvilinear transducer. Thirty-six foals (16 healthy and 20 sick), aged ≤7 d, were enrolled. Meconium was identified in 19 foals: 9/16 healthy (seven ≤36 h, two >36 h), none of which were treated for impaction, and 10/20 sick foals (four ≤36 h, six >36 h), three of which received treatment. Meconium was visualized in 6/9 FUS windows, most commonly in the retrosternal window, followed by the ventrolateral windows. The sternal flexure was the most frequently involved intestinal tract (12/19 foals), followed by the right ventral colon/cecum and left ventral colon (9/19). Multiple acoustic windows were more commonly involved in sick foals. All treated foals had small colon meconium impaction, visualized through the hypo-gastric window. Meconium appeared as a ball-shaped intraluminal mass, with hypoechoic or mixed echogenicity in the large colon and hyperechoic or mixed echogenicity in the small colon. Limitations include the single-operator design, small convenience sample, and use of FUS rather than a comprehensive ultrasonographic examination. In conclusion, meconium detection in foals older than 36 h may represent an incidental finding. The hypogastric window should be carefully evaluated when impaction is suspected. The FUS protocol represents a promising tool for monitoring meconium distribution over time and treatment.