Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Rhodococcus equi pneumonia in foals.
- Journal:
- Modern veterinary practice
- Year:
- 1984
- Authors:
- Genetzky, R M et al.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 2-month-old Quarter Horse colt was diagnosed with pneumonia caused by Rhodococcus equi, a type of bacteria that can lead to serious lung infections. The colt was very tired, had stopped eating, and had a fever, and he also had noticeable breathing sounds when the vet listened to his chest. Initial treatment with penicillin didn't help, so the vet switched to other antibiotics after testing the bacteria. With the new treatment and supportive care, the colt fully recovered within two months.
Abstract
Rhodococcus (Corynebacterium) equi pneumonia is diagnosed by thoracic auscultation, radiographic and hematologic examination, and transtracheal aspiration. Treatment may be unsuccessful because of the organism's tendency to cause pulmonary abscesses. A 2-month-old, depressed, anorectic, febrile Quarter Horse colt, previously unresponsive to penicillin therapy, had loud, moist breath sounds in the ventral lung fields. Chest radiographs revealed pneumonia. Based on culture and sensitivity tests on organisms isolated from transtracheal washes, chloramphenicol and erythromycin, and then oral trimethoprim-sulfadiazine, were given, in addition to supportive therapy. The animal was fully recovered within 2 months.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6504018/