SUSPECTED BACTERIAL MENINGOENCEPHALITIS IN 2 ADULT HORSES

Bacterial infections (such as meningitis or meningoencephalitis) of th e central nervous system are rare in horses. They are most prevalent i n neonates as a result of septicaemia. A few cases have been reported in the adult and most have been fatal. Streptococcal species appear to be the organism most commonly identified in these cases. Thus, this d isease may be a secondary complication of upper respiratory tract infe ctions. Clinical signs are extremely variable making diagnosis difficu lt. In most cases, postmortem has been the definite diagnostic procedu re. This paper describes the clinical course of disease, diagnosis and successful treatment of two presumptive cases of meningoencephalitis in adult horses.