Peritonitis associated with Actinobacillus equuli in horses: 15 cases (1982-1992)
Golland, L.C.; Hodgson, D.R.; Hodgson, J.L.; Brownlow, M.A.; Hutchins, D.R.; Rawlinson, R.J.; Collins, M.B.; McClintock, S.A.; Raisis, A.L.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 205(2): 340-343
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1488 PMID: 7928617 Document Number: 425368
In 13 of the 15 horses, historical findings included acute onset of mild to severe signs of abdominal pain, lethargy, and inappetence. Two horses had a history of weight loss for 3 to 6 weeks prior to examination. Diagnosis was based on the physical signs and laboratory findings, including results of peritoneal fluid analysis (gross characteristics, total protein, total and differential nucleated cell counts, and morphological findings) and culture of A. equuli. A. equuli was consistently susceptible in vitro to penicillin, trimethoprim/sulfadiazine, and aminoglycosides. All horses in the study had marked clinical improvement within 24 to 48 h of commencing antibiotic and supportive treatment. Antibiotic treatment was continued for variable periods, depending on the horse, but ranged from 5 to 21 days. In 11 horses for which follow-up information was available, long-term response to treatment was excellent, with horses returning to original activity.