[Halicephalobus gingivalis infection in a 5-year-old Tinker gelding].

A 5-year old Tinker gelding was referred to the Department of Equine Sciences with a left eye uveitis and fever. At presentation the horse showed a mild lethargy, fever and decreased vision of the left eye. Rectal examination revealed an enlarged left kidney, with a hard and an irregular surface. The cranial mesentery artery had an enlarged and irregular aspect. Blood analysis showed anaemia, leucocytosis, increased blood urea nitrogen and creatinine and a hyperproteinemia. Urine analysis repeatedly showed a marked proteinuria and an increased gammaGT/creatinine ratio. The amount of abdominal fluid was slightly increased. However, the aspect, amount of cells and protein were normal. In the following two days the fever persisted and the horse showed anorexia and severe neurological signs. The horse was euthanized with permission of the owner. Post mortem examination showed a generalized parasitic infestation of Halicephalobus gingivalis in the uvea of the left eye, the kidneys and the central nerve system.