Correlation between colic and antibody levels against Anoplocephala perfoliata in horses in The Netherlands.

The importance of Anoplocephala perfoliata in horses with colic was studied in 139 horses referred for colic and 139 control horses with no signs of colic for at least three years. The serodiagnostic method of Proudman and Trees, which measures the level of A. perfoliata antibody, was used to detect A. perfoliata infection. Thirty-two horses were examined at necropsy, to determine whether the presence of A. perfoliata in the ileocaecal region was associated with the A. perfoliata antibody level. The mean A. perfoliata antibody level was significantly higher in horses with colic than in horses without colic (P < 0.001), indicating a relationship between A. perfoliata infection and colic in general. There was no relation between age and A. perfoliata antibody level. The mean A. perfoliata antibody level in 12 horses with ileocaecal disorders was significantly higher than that in control horses (P < 0.001). Of the 32 horses examined at necropsy, 7 horses with tapeworms in the ileocaecal region had a significantly higher mean A. perfoliata antibody level than the 25 horses without the parasite (P = 0.030). Lastly, examination of faeces to detect the presence of A. perfoliata infection was not useful in the present study.

[Diagnosis and therapy of Rhodococcus equi infection in the horse]. / De diagnostiek en therapeutische mogelijkheden van een Rhodococcus equi infectie bij het paard.

Infection with Rhodococcus equi is an important cause of pneumonia in foals, but other organ systems may also be affected. The intracellular presence of R. equi and the formation of granulomatous and suppurative inflammatory tissue mean that prolonged treatment is needed. The pharmacological properties of the combination of erythromycin and rifampicin have improved the survival of foals infected with R. equi; however, erythromycin can cause adverse reactions in foals and mares, which has prompted the search for alternative therapies. The combination of azithromycin or clarithromycin with rifampicin seems to be a promising alternative. However these combinations are expensive and adverse effects remain to be determined, especially in the dams of treated foals. Thus correct diagnosis and appropriate use of drugs are essential for the treatment of R. equi infection in foals.

[Vertebral osteomyelitis caused by Rhodococcus equi in a three-and-half-month-old Dutch Warmblood foal]. / Vertebrale osteomyelitis veroorzaakt door een Rhodococcus equi infectie in een drieënhalf maand oud KWPN veulen.

Rhodococcus equi infection occurs worldwide and is especially a problem in foals, where it often causes colitis or pneumonia. Other organs are seldom affected, and their involvement is regarded as a complication of pneumonia and/or colitis. Vertebral osteomyelitis is one such rare complication and is probably caused by haematogenous spread from inflammatory lesions in the lungs and/or intestine. In rare cases, osteomyelitis can be caused by contamination of a wound. This case study describes a foal with vertebral osteomyelitis due to R. equi in which there were only minor inflammatory changes in a mesenteric lymph node.

[Halicephalobus gingivalis infection in a 5-year-old Tinker gelding]. / Halicephalobus gingivalis infectie bij een vijfjarige Tinker ruin.

A 5-year old Tinker gelding was referred to the Department of Equine Sciences with a left eye uveitis and fever. At presentation the horse showed a mild lethargy, fever and decreased vision of the left eye. Rectal examination revealed an enlarged left kidney, with a hard and an irregular surface. The cranial mesentery artery had an enlarged and irregular aspect. Blood analysis showed anaemia, leucocytosis, increased blood urea nitrogen and creatinine and a hyperproteinemia. Urine analysis repeatedly showed a marked proteinuria and an increased gammaGT/creatinine ratio. The amount of abdominal fluid was slightly increased. However, the aspect, amount of cells and protein were normal. In the following two days the fever persisted and the horse showed anorexia and severe neurological signs. The horse was euthanized with permission of the owner. Post mortem examination showed a generalized parasitic infestation of Halicephalobus gingivalis in the uvea of the left eye, the kidneys and the central nerve system.