Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Successful treatment of Rhodococcus equi P-type infection with subcutaneous abscessation in a foal.
- Journal:
- Tierarztliche Praxis. Ausgabe G, Grosstiere/Nutztiere
- Year:
- 2025
- Authors:
- Della Tommasa, Simone et al.
- Affiliation:
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital · Germany
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 3-month-old warmblood filly was brought to the vet because she was very lame and had swelling and heat in her right elbow area. Tests showed signs of a serious joint infection, and although initial treatments didn’t yield positive culture results, her condition worsened, leading to further investigations that confirmed infection in her bones and lungs. The veterinarians performed surgery to drain the infection and used antibiotics tailored to the specific bacteria they found. After treatment, follow-up X-rays showed that the bone damage was getting better, and the filly continued to improve without any signs of the infection coming back. This case highlights the importance of early detection and aggressive treatment for serious infections in young horses.
Abstract
is a common causative agent of the septic arthritis, physitis, and osteomyelitis (SAPO) complex in foals, often resulting from hematogenous dissemination or perforating trauma. The early detection of osteomyelitis is challenging, and treatment has a guarded prognosis.A 3-month-old warmblood filly was presented with severe lameness, swelling, and palpable heat in the right cubital region. Ultrasonographic examination revealed signs suggestive of septic arthritis. Joint lavage and intra-articular injection of antibiotic were performed, but synovial swab cultures were sterile. Subsequently worsened lameness and increased body temperature prompted further investigations, confirming physitis and lung involvement. Definitivediagnosis was obtained from physeal curettage samples. Surgical drainage and repeated curettage were performed, along with antibiotic therapy based on antibiograms.Radiographic follow-ups showed reduction in bone defect size, and magnetic field therapy was employed during hospitalization, additionally to medical and surgical treatment. Long-term follow-up indicated sustained improvement without recurrence.This case demonstrates that early recognition oforthopedic infections requires a multidisciplinary approach and comprehensive diagnostic testing, including imaging and culture for antibiogram-guided therapy. In cases of P-type bone infection aggressive surgical treatment, consisting of repeated curettage of the involved physis is essential to address underlying pathology and promote tissue healing. Despite associated challenges and costs, these procedures significantly improve long-term outcomes.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41092920/