Klossiella equi infection in a Cheval Canadien Mare

• Published in: Veterinary clinical pathology Vol. 47; no. 4; pp. 654 - 659
• Main Authors: Baker, Rose E., Schlipf, John W., Brady, Jacqueline V., Gorman, M. Elena
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01-12-2018
• Subjects: Acute renal injury; horse; Inflammation; Intravenous administration; Protozoa; Sporocysts; Sporozoites; urinalysis; Urine; horse; urinalysis; Acute renal injury; protozoa
• ISSN: 0275-6382; 1939-165X
• DOI: 10.1111/vcp.12660

A 6‐year‐old Cheval Canadien mare was presented for clinical signs related to acute kidney injury after receiving a course of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory therapy. Cytologic examination of concentrated urine revealed small protozoal organisms that were later identified as Klossiella equi. Both sporocysts and free‐floating sporozoites were identified in the urine, which has not been previously documented. The mare responded well to intravenous fluid therapy, and as she regained tubular function, the presence of the protozoa in the urine also abated. The mare was discharged from the hospital after approximately 1 week of therapy. Repeat serum chemistries for up to 1 year following discharge demonstrated that all renal parameters had returned to normal, and the protozoa were not visualized on cytologic examination of the collected urine samples.