Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
septicemia in foals: A case series (1986 to 2024).
- Journal:
- The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne
- Year:
- 2026
- Authors:
- Sjolin, Erika et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Studies · Canada
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
This study looked at six young horses, called foals, that developed a serious blood infection known as septicemia, which was caused by a bacterium called Listeria. Although listeriosis is more common in other animals, it can happen in foals and may lead to severe symptoms like neurological issues. Diagnosing this condition can be challenging, as the bacteria are hard to find in tests, but checking the fluid around the brain and doing blood cultures are important steps. Unfortunately, foals with this infection have a high chance of not surviving. In this case series, the outcome for the foals was not favorable.
Abstract
Listeriosis is caused by, a Gram-positive, facultative anaerobic, intracellular rod bacterium that can infect a wide variety of species. Listeriosis occurs in a diverse range of domestic and wild animals but is most commonly a disease of ruminants. Clinical signs include meningoencephalitis, typhlocolitis, septic arthritis, and abortions. Listeriosis in horses has been reported in several countries but is an uncommon diagnosis. This report describes clinical, bacteriological, histopathological, and immunohistochemical findings in 6 foals with neonatal septicemia from whichwas isolated. Key clinical message: Listeriosis is considered rare in neonatal foals but should be considered in neonatal foals exhibiting septicemia and neurological signs. Cerebrospinal fluid cytology and blood culture testing are crucial in establishing the diagnosis, thoughis difficult to isolate. Cases in foals have a high risk of non-survival.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41586142/