Abstract
A 20-year-old, Thoroughbred mare in the fifth month of gestation was examined for weight loss, pyrexia and lethargy. Physical examination, ultrasonography and radiography revealed a severe abscessing pneumonia and a dead fetus. The mare did not respond to symptomatic treatment and died suddenly. Necropsy revealed multifocal pulmonary abscessation. Rhodococcus equi was isolated from the lungs, liver and kidneys. Specific immune function of the mare and presence of the virulence associated protein A (VapA) of the R. equi isolated was not determined. It is likely that immunosuppression is required for systemic R. equi infections in adult horses; however, it is unknown if VapA is necessary to produce disease in adult horses.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 67-71 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Equine Veterinary Education |
Volume | 20 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Feb 2008 |
Keywords
- Abortion
- Horse
- Pneumonia
- Rhodococcus equi
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Equine