Multisystemic Eosinophilic Epitheliotropic Disease in a Horse in Brazil

January 2017 in “ Ciência Rural ”

Cláudio João Mourão Laisse, Lismara Castro do Nascimento, Welden Panziera, Elizabeth Caldas Soares, Denise Bicca Fernandes, Júlio César Westphalen, Luciana Sonne, Saulo Petinatti Pavarini, David Driemeier

alopecia pruritus eosinophilia corticosteroids eosinophilic granulomas skin lesions hair loss itching steroids

TLDR A horse in Brazil with skin and gut issues was diagnosed with a severe disease and had to be euthanized.

A 5-year-old horse in Brazil was diagnosed with equine multisystemic eosinophilic epitheliotropic disease (MEED), presenting symptoms such as pruritus, alopecia, and moderate eosinophilia. Despite treatment with corticosteroids and antibiotics, the condition worsened, leading to fever, diarrhea, gastric reflux, and weight loss, ultimately resulting in euthanasia. Necropsy and histopathological evaluation revealed eosinophilic granulomas in multiple organs, including the skin, oral mucosa, duodenum, pancreas, and mesenteric lymph nodes. The findings suggested that MEED should be considered in horses with skin lesions and gastrointestinal symptoms.