Massive mandible osteolysis caused by Halicephalobus gingivalis in a mare

Halicephalobus gingivalis infects equines and humans and is reported to be usually fatal in equines. Generally, a diffuse granulomatous inflammation is seen with neurological signs. The authors here present the case of an infected mare that had to be euthanased due to extensive mandible osteolysis, with only bony remnants left. The nematode was clearly identified on histological kidney samples. Interestingly, the affected mare did not present any neurological or renal signs. The only sign noticed was severe mandible deformation, which led to the original referral for suspected mandible fracture. No previous reports describe such a massive mandible osteolysis provoked by this nematode.