Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
associated gas gangrene in 8 horses, 1998-2019.
- Journal:
- Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation : official publication of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, Inc
- Year:
- 2020
- Authors:
- Sacco, Sofia C et al.
- Affiliation:
- Veterinary Sciences Institute of Litoral and Morphological Sciences Department
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
Gas gangrene is a serious infection that can affect horses and is usually caused by a type of bacteria called Clostridium type A. In a study of eight horses, this condition developed after they had received an injection or suffered a skin injury. The horses showed signs of muscle tissue death and swelling, along with symptoms that indicated they were in shock. Diagnosis was confirmed through various laboratory tests and examinations. The findings suggest that this type of bacteria should be considered as a potential cause of gas gangrene in horses.
Abstract
Gas gangrene occurs in several animal species and is caused by one or more clostridial species. In horses, the disease is most often caused bytype A. Althoughhas been associated with gas gangrene in ruminants and humans, cases of the disease associated with this microorganism have not been described in horses, to our knowledge. We report herein 8 cases of gas gangrene caused byin horses. These cases were characterized by myonecrosis and cellulitis, associated with systemic changes suggestive of toxic shock. The diagnosis was confirmed by gross and microscopic changes combined with anaerobic culture, fluorescent antibody test, immunohistochemistry, and/or PCR. The predisposing factor in these cases was an injection or a traumatic skin injury.should be considered as a possible etiologic agent in cases of gas gangrene in horses.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31585515/