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Long‐term successful outcome of a Streptococcus equi subspecies equi brain abscess
Author(s) -
Schott H. C.,
Esser M. M.,
Pirie C. G.,
Pease A. P.,
Patterson J. S.,
Reed S. M.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
equine veterinary education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.304
H-Index - 31
eISSN - 2042-3292
pISSN - 0957-7734
DOI - 10.1111/eve.13111
Subject(s) - medicine , brain abscess , streptococcus equi , magnetic resonance imaging , surgery , abscess , radiology , biology , bacteria , genetics
Summary We previously described successful treatment, including surgical drainage, of a Streptococcus equi subspecies equi brain abscess that caused severe neurological deficits in a 7‐year‐old Quarter Horse mare. This report details the long‐term successful outcome of the case, findings of a magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI ) study performed 14 years after surgery and necropsy findings 18 years after initial treatment. Despite persistent cerebral and midbrain lesions detected by MRI and at necropsy, the mare returned to serviceable function within a year of initial treatment and had a successful performance career for over 10 years until carpal arthritis prompted retirement. This case demonstrates that brain abscess in horses can be successfully managed by combined medical and surgical treatment.