Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Swelling in foals' joints - could it be Rhodococcus equi?
By Firth, E C et al.·Published in Australian veterinary journal·1993·Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Rhodococcus equi-associated osteomyelitis in foals.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
This study talks about two foals that had an infection caused by Rhodococcus equi, which led to a bone infection called osteomyelitis. Rhodococcus equi infections are often mild and develop slowly, so early signs can be hard to notice. If you have a foal with swelling around a joint or bone, especially if they come from a farm where this infection is known to occur, it's important to consider Rhodococcus equi as a possible cause until your vet can rule it out. The cases highlight the need for careful observation and prompt veterinary attention in such situations.
Abstract
Two cases of Rhodococcus equi infection in foals are described, in which osteomyelitis was a feature. Because rhodococcal infection is usually low grade and chronic, and because the signs of early metaphysitis can be subtle, any articular or periarticular swelling in a foal from a farm with a history of rhodococcosis should be strongly suspected to be associated with R equi until proven otherwise.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8216097/