Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Intracranial abscess caused by Rhodococcus equi infection in a foal.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 2006
- Authors:
- Janicek, John C et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery · United States
- Species:
- horse
Abstract
CASE DESCRIPTION: A 4-month-old Missouri Fox Trotter colt was examined for a 5-week history of head tilt after treatment for suspected pulmonary Rhodococcus equi infection. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Computed tomography revealed osteolysis of the occipital, temporal, and caudal portion of the parietal bones of the left side of the cranium. A soft tissue mass compressing the occipital region of the cerebral cortex and cerebellum was associated with the osteolytic bone. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: A rostrotentorial-suboccipital craniectomy approach was performed to remove fragmented occipital bone, debulk the intracranial mass, and obtain tissue samples for histologic examination and bacterial culture. All neurologic deficits improved substantially within 3 days after surgery. Bacterial culture of the resected soft tissue and bone fragments yielded R equi. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Intracranial surgery in veterinary medicine has been limited to dogs and cats; however, in select cases, extrapolation of surgical techniques used in humans and small animals can assist with intracranial procedures in horses.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16426201/