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Peer-reviewed veterinary case report

Swelling in horses' muzzle and udder - causes and treatments

By Carmalt, J L et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·1999·Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Canada·View original on PubMed

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Original publication title: Actinobacillus lignieresii infection in two horses.

Species:
horse

Plain-English summary

A 10-year-old pregnant Norwegian Fjord horse had a swollen muzzle for two years, which was found to be caused by a bacterial infection called Actinobacillus lignieresii. After receiving intravenous sodium iodide and oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, the swelling decreased without causing any pregnancy issues. Additionally, a 5-month-old American Paint filly was treated for swelling in her udder, also due to the same bacteria. She responded well to oral rifampin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and her symptoms completely resolved.

People also search for: horse muzzle swelling treatment · Actinobacillus lignieresii infection in horses · horse udder swelling causes

Abstract

A 10-year-old pregnant Norwegian Fjord horse was examined for gross swelling of the muzzle of 2 years' duration. Examination of biopsy specimens revealed diffuse dermal fibrosis, micropustule formation, and vascular thrombosis; large numbers of Actinobacillus lignieresii were isolated in pure culture. Prolonged treatment with i.v. administration of sodium iodide and oral administration of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole caused regression of the swelling and did not induce abortion. A 5-month-old American Paint filly was examined for swelling in the udder region. Bacteriologic culture of purulent material obtained from the left teat revealed A lignieresii. Treatment with oral administration of rifampin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole resulted in complete resolution of clinical signs. To the authors' knowledge, these findings represent the first report of mastitis and chronic nasal cellulitis caused by A lignieresii infection in horses.

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Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10496138/