First reported case of intra vitam diagnosed Halicephalobus gingivalis infection in a lipizzaner stallion in Austria

A nine year old lipizzaner stallion was submitted because of chronic wastin g and left - sided uveitis. Adult parasites and larval forms of Halicephalo bus gingivalis were found in the urine of the azotemic horse. One day after anthelminthic treatment with ivermectine (0.22 mg/kg bodymass) the horse d eveloped progressive unresponsive ataxia and was euthanatized due to a poor prognosis. Histopathology revealed granulomatous inflammation in the tissu e around the parasites in both kidneys, the central nervous system, and in the left eye. Portal of entry, organ preferences, diagnostic difficulties a nd therapeutic options are discussed.