Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cauda equina syndrome, diskospondylitis, and a paravertebral abscess caused by Rhodococcus equi in a foal.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 1995
- Authors:
- Chaffin, M K et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Large Animal Medicine and Surgery · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 4-month-old male Quarter Horse was brought in because he was having trouble controlling his urination. During the examination, the vet found signs of cauda equina syndrome, which affects the nerves at the end of the spinal cord. X-rays showed an infection in the bones of the lower back, and surgery was done to clean out the infected area and drain an abscess nearby. Tests identified the bacteria Rhodococcus equi as the cause of the infection, and the foal was treated with medications to help him urinate and fight the infection for 120 days. After treatment, the foal's nerve issues completely went away, and two years later, he was still healthy and showed no lasting effects from the illness.
Abstract
A 4-month-old male Quarter Horse was referred for evaluation of urinary incontinence. Physical examination revealed clinical signs consistent with cauda equina syndrome. Radiography revealed diskospondylitis of S2 through S4. Infected bone was surgically curretted, and drainage was established for an associated paravertebral abscess. Rhodococcus equi was isolated from specimens of bone and from fluid samples obtained from the paravertebral abscess. Bethanechol was administered to stimulate urination. Erythromycin and rifampin were administered for 120 days. The foal's neurologic dysfunction resolved completely. Two years after discharge, the horse remained neurologically normal and did not have apparent effects as a result of its previous disorder.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7751225/