Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Surgical management of Rhodococcus equi metaphysitis in a foal.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 1990
- Authors:
- Desjardins, M R & Vachon, A M
- Affiliation:
- Dé · Canada
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A young foal was suffering from a long-term lameness due to an infection in the growth plate of its left hind leg bone, caused by a bacteria called Rhodococcus equi. Blood tests showed some issues, including mild anemia (low red blood cells) and signs of inflammation. X-rays revealed damage to the bone, indicating that some pieces were dying off. The foal was treated with antibiotics and underwent surgery to clean out the infected area and had some bone grafting done. This treatment successfully resolved the infection and improved the foal's condition.
Abstract
A chronic Rhodococcus equi metaphysitis involving the distal growth plate of the left third metatarsal bone had induced a longstanding lameness in a young foal. Abnormal hematologic values included mild anemia, hyperfibrinogemia, mild leukocytosis, and neutrophilia. Radiography of the distal portion of MT3 revealed a radiolucent zone on the medial aspect of the growth plate, and small pieces of bone suggestive of sequestra. Treatment with erythromycin estolate and rifampin, aggressive surgical debridement, and cancellous bone grafting helped resolve the bone infection.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2211310/