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Rhodococcus equi pneumonia in an adult horse
Author(s) -
Waldridge B. M.,
Morresey P. R.,
Loynachan A. T.,
Reimer J.,
Riddle W. T.,
Williams N. M.,
Bras R.
Publication year - 2008
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 - 10.2746/095777308x272120
Subject(s) - rhodococcus equi , medicine , lethargy , horse , pneumonia , immunosuppression , lung , virulence , biology , paleontology , biochemistry , gene
Summary 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.