Systemic granulomatous disease

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Systemic Granulomatous Disease

Equine Generalized Granulomatous Disease, Equine Systemic Granulomatous Disease, Equine Histiocytic Disease

Systemic granulomatous disease (SGD), also known as equine sarcoidosis (ES), is a systemic inflammatory disease of horses. It is characterized by exfoliative dermatitis, severe wasting, and granulomatous inflammation of multiple organ systems. It is considered to be uncommon in horse populations and is thought to be similar to sarcoidosis in humans, however SGD is much more severe in horses than for humans.

The onset of SGD in horses can be insidious or explosive, and usually is slowly progressive. Clinical signs observed in horses with SGD varies depending on the internal organ affected, which can include the lungs, lymph nodes, gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, bones, central nervous system, spleen, and liver.

SGD can occur as generalized, partially generalized or localized with the later being the most common occurrence in horses. SGD presents itself in three forms: (1)scaling and crusting form, (2) nodular form, and (3) the localized form in which hyperkeratotic, crusted, alopecic plaques are found on the limbs of the horse.

The preferred treatment is for horses with SGD is the administration of corticosteroids, preferably oral prednisolone over dexamethasone.

Symptoms

Patchy hair loss, scales and crusts
Nonpruritic skin lesions
Ventral edema
Increased respiratory rate at rest
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Swelling of abdomen or limbs
Persistent or fluctuating low-grade fever
Mild respiratory distress
Lameness
Mouth ulcers

Diagnosis

  • History
  • Clinical signs
  • Complete blood count (CBC)
  • Serum chemistry profile
  • Fibrinogen level testing
  • Abdominal ultrasounography
  • Thoracic radiographs - Interstitial infiltration with lung involvement.
  • Skin biopsies - Observance of typical granulomatous changes

Support

Therapies

TherapiesDetails
Oral prednisoloneAdministered at 2 to 4 mg/kg, q24hS Sargent at el
DexamethasoneAdministered at 0.2 to 0.4 mg/kg orally q24hS Sargent at el
Dietary changes

Prevention

Prognosis

Poor for generalized form

Scientific Research

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