Complex central nervous system malformations in a Dutch Warmblood foal

A neonatal Dutch Warmblood colt was evaluated for inability to stand, incoordination and intention tremor. Despite partial improvement in clinical signs during the first 4 days of hospitalization, neurological deficits remained. Magnetic resonance imaging identified a unilateral infratentorial arachnoid cyst-like lesion with ipsilateral compression and displacement of the cerebellar hemisphere, absent corpus collosum, polymicrogyria, suspect leukoencephalopathy, and noncompressive occipitoatlantal malformation. Improvement in clinical signs during the first 6 months of life suggests that horses can survive with complex congenital neurological malformations, but prognosis for athletic performance is poor. The accessibility of magnetic resonance imaging should improve the diagnostic accuracy of central nervous system disorders in neonatal foals in which congenital malformations are suspected. Euthanasia often is elected in foals with suspected congenital central nervous system disorders because of poor prognosis for athletic performance, limiting understanding of clinical progression in these cases.

Automated summary

This is a case report of a neonatal Dutch Warmblood colt with congenital neurological malformations. Magnetic resonance imaging identified a unilateral arachnoid cyst-like lesion and other abnormalities in the central nervous system. The article emphasizes the importance of magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosing congenital neurological malformations, as well as the poor prognosis for athletic performance in such cases.