Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Oesophageal Obstruction in a Donkey Due to Mediastinal Lymphadenitis Caused by Mycobacterium avium Complex.
- Journal:
- Journal of comparative pathology
- Year:
- 2021
- Authors:
- Paraschou, Georgios et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences · United Kingdom
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A donkey was found to have a blockage in its esophagus caused by swollen lymph nodes in the chest, which were infected with a type of bacteria called Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). This kind of infection is rare in donkeys and is not well-documented, although it can affect the digestive system in horses and lead to issues like diarrhea and weight loss. In this case, the donkey experienced repeated episodes of esophageal obstruction due to the infection. This is the first time such an infection has been reported in a donkey in the UK.
Abstract
Mycobacterial infections are rare in horses, donkeys and mules. Although there are a few reports in horses, mycobacterial disease is poorly documented in the donkey. Mycobacterial infection of equine species typically affects the alimentary tract, causing granulomatous enterocolitis resulting in diarrhoea and chronic weight loss, while lymph nodes and liver may also be affected. We now document recurrent oesophageal obstruction, secondary to cranial mediastinal lymphadenitis caused by Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of MAC infection in a donkey in the UK.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34119233/