Successful management of multiple extrapulmonary complications associated with Rhodococcus equi pneumonia in a foal

E. J. A. Wilkes, K. J. Hughes, A. E. Kessell, S. L. Raidal

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8 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This report describes the diagnosis and successful treatment of multiple extrapulmonary sequelae of Rhodococcus equi (R. equi) pneumonia in a 3-month-old filly. Bilateral uveitis and hyphaema, haemolytic anaemia and polysynovitis developed in this foal and were likely due to immune-mediated mechanisms. The challenges associated with diagnosis and treatments of these extrapulmonary disorders are discussed. The filly was treated initially with clarithromycin and rifampin; however, a blood transfusion and immunosuppressive therapy with dexamethasone were required due to progressive haemolysis and for treatment of uveitis and polysynovitis. Bilateral hyphaema was successfully treated with intracameral injections of a recombinant tissue plasminogen activator. The development of antimicrobial resistance in R. equi was an additional challenge encountered in the management of this case and emphasises the importance of culture and in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing of isolates from foals with R. equi pneumonia.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)186-192
Number of pages7
JournalEquine Veterinary Education
Volume28
Issue number4
Early online date2015
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2016

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