Rhodococcus equi infection of cats

Six cases of Rhodococcus equi infection in cats are described. One cat had pneumonia and died. The remaining five cats had cutaneous lesions affecting the feet in four of the cats and the metacarpus in one cat, and all these cats recovered with the aid of antibiotics. All the Rhodococcus equi isolates were sensitive to amoxycillin/clavulanic acid and, where used, at least 14-16 days of treatment was needed to help eliminate the infection. Histologically and cytologically the reaction was pyogranulomatous and many macrophages in the lesions contained large numbers of Gram-positive bacteria.