Veterinary Research Forum

Abstract Babesia caballi is a tick-borne protozoan parasite responsible for causing equine babesiosis, a disease with considerable variation in prevalence across different regions of the world. This report presented a confirmed case of B. caballi infection in a three-year-old mare originating from Gonbad-e Kavus, Iran, highlighting the clinical, laboratory and diagnostic aspects of the disease. The affected mare showed classical clinical signs including persistent fever, generalized weakness, tachycardia and pale mucous membranes, which are indicative of systemic infection and anemia. Laboratory evaluations revealed evidence of hepatic and renal compromise as well as hematological parameters consistent with active inflammatory processes. Microscopic examination of blood smears and molecular techniques such as PCR were employed to confirm the presence of B. caballi, while simultaneously excluding co-infections with other common equine pathogens including Theileria equi and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. This case underscored the critical need to combine conventional diagnostic approaches with molecular methods to achieve accurate detection, effective treatment and appropriate management strategies for equine babesiosis in endemic regions.

Abstract One of the reasons of weight loss and poor performance in horses is decrease in food intake. Oral cavity problems can cause malfunctions in prehension and deglutition resulting in dysphagia. There are few published reports about a metallic foreign body disorders in the oral cavity of horses due to an important role of their flexible lip and incisor teeth in food selection and prehension. This report describes the history, clinical, hematological and radiographic findings and surgical management of a left oral wall fistula formation due to a piece of wire penetration in a pregnant mare. The wire was removed through surgical intervention in a standing position of the horse under mild sedation and local anesthesia. One-month follow-up examination showed that the mare had regained her previous work performance with no post-operative complication. Precise oral examination and using an ancillary diagnostic device such as radiography can be suggested for oral cavity pathologies detection and accurate diagnosis in horses.