Microphthalmia, brachygnathia superior, and palatocheiloschisis in a foal associated with griseofulvin administration to the mare during early pregnancy.

Author(s): Schutte JG, van den Ingh TS

Affiliation(s): Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, The Netherlands. jschutte@nathan.smk.nl

Publication date & source: 1997-06, Vet Q., 19(2):58-60.

Publication type: Case Reports

An 18 year old Friesian mare was treated with griseofulvin for dermatomycosis in the second month of pregnancy. Pregnancy was uneventful and after 331 days a male foal was born. The foal showed bilateral microphthalmia, severe brachygnathia superior, and palatocheiloschisis. The lesions were incompatible with life and the animal was euthanized. As similar lesions have been described in other species associated with griseofulvin administration during pregnancy, and the development of the eyes and facial bones in the horse occurs in the second month of pregnancy, the lesions most likely can be attributed to griseofulvin administration.