Características ultrassonográficas, microbiológicas e hematológicas de potros com pneumonia causada por Rhodococcus Equi e outras bactérias: estudo retrospectivo

Abstract

Due to their immunological condition, neonatal foals already have a greater susceptibility to the development of pulmonary diseases than adult animals. Horses often have a high zootechnical value, justified in most cases by their athletic potential and, consequently, by the donation of genetic material for reproduction. The examination of the foals and the decision-making for the therapeutic conduct to be represented significant challenges for the veterinarian. Lung lesions that affect foals tend to be correlated with the development of pneumonia, which may vary according to age, region and stud farm management. Although some diseases are not uncommon, the diagnosis is often made only based on the anamnesis and physical examination of animals in the field. This work aims to carry out a retrospective study to report the main pulmonary lesions in foals submmited by ultrasound, comparing with hematological evaluation and bacterial culture associated with antibiogram at the Vet Check Veterinary Hospital, in Betim - Minas Gerais, in order to identify ways to establish a specific antibiotic therapy for R. equi+ animals. Elevated WBC count, sonographic evidence of lesions suggestive of pyogranulomas, and animals older than 2 months of age are findings suggestive of R. equi pneumonia. The antibiogram is essential, considering that most animals that died from rhodococcosis did not show sensitivity to the association of azithromycin and rifampicin. Based on this study, none of the parameters evaluated should be used in isolation, as a basis for the presumptive diagnosis of R. equi.