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Peritonitis associated with Actinobacillus equuli in horses: 15 cases (1982-1992)
L C Golland1, D R Hodgson, J L Hodgson
1Department of Animal Health, University of Sydney Camden, NSW, Australia.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|July 15, 1994
Summary
Actinobacillus equuli caused peritonitis in 15 horses, presenting with abdominal pain or weight loss. Prompt antibiotic treatment led to rapid improvement and excellent long-term recovery for most horses.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Equine Health
- Bacterial Infections
Background:
- Peritonitis in horses can lead to severe illness and economic loss.
- Actinobacillus equuli is a known bacterial pathogen in horses, but its role in peritonitis requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment outcomes of peritonitis caused by Actinobacillus equuli in horses.
- To evaluate the in vitro susceptibility of Actinobacillus equuli to common antibiotics.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series of 15 horses diagnosed with Actinobacillus equuli peritonitis between 1982 and 1992.
- Physical examination, peritoneal fluid analysis (cytology, chemistry), and bacterial culture were used for diagnosis.
- In vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing of isolated Actinobacillus equuli strains.
Main Results:
- Fifteen horses were diagnosed with Actinobacillus equuli peritonitis, presenting with acute abdominal pain (13/15) or chronic weight loss (2/15).
- Peritoneal fluid analysis revealed characteristic inflammatory changes.
- Actinobacillus equuli isolates were consistently susceptible to penicillin, trimethoprim/sulfadiazine, and aminoglycosides.
- All treated horses showed significant clinical improvement within 24-48 hours.
- Eleven horses with available follow-up achieved excellent long-term recovery and returned to their previous activity levels.
Conclusions:
- Actinobacillus equuli is a significant cause of peritonitis in horses.
- Early diagnosis and prompt antibiotic therapy, guided by susceptibility testing, result in a favorable prognosis.
- Penicillin, trimethoprim/sulfadiazine, and aminoglycosides are effective treatment options.
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