Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Bacterial pneumonia associated with corticosteroid therapy in three horses.
- Journal:
- The Veterinary record
- Year:
- 1996
- Authors:
- Mair, T S
- Affiliation:
- Bell Equine Veterinary Clinic
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
Three horses developed serious lung infections while being treated with corticosteroids, which are medications that suppress the immune system. Two of these horses had a skin disease called pemphigus foliaceus, and the third had a severe breathing condition known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The first horse had a type of pneumonia that responded well to antibiotics, while the second horse became critically ill with blood poisoning and pneumonia caused by E. coli and unfortunately died. The third horse had a localized pneumonia and was euthanized at the owner's request without any treatment being given. Overall, the outcomes varied, with one horse recovering, one dying, and one being euthanized.
Abstract
Three horses developed severe pulmonary infections while being treated with systemic corticosteroids for other diseases. Two of them had an immune-mediated skin disease, compatible with a diagnosis of pemphigus foliaceus, and one had severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Case 1 developed diffuse pneumonia from which Streptococcus zooepidemicus and Bacteroides melaninogenicus were isolated, and it responded to antibiotic therapy. Case 2 developed septicaemia, pulmonary thrombosis and pneumonia associated with Escherichia coli, and died during a peracute illness with signs of disseminated intravascular coagulation. Case 3 developed focal pneumonia from which S zooepidemicus was isolated. This horse was destroyed at the owner's request and no treatment was attempted.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8686153/