Rhodococcus equi pneumonia in an adult horse

B. M. Waldridge, P. R. Morresey, A. T. Loynachan, J. Reimer, W. T. Riddle, N. M. Williams, R. Bras

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Scopus citations

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 languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)67-71
Number of pages5
JournalEquine Veterinary Education
Volume20
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2008

Keywords

  • Abortion
  • Horse
  • Pneumonia
  • Rhodococcus equi

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Equine

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