Generalized Tympanism in a Horse and Its Possible Association with -like Microorganism: A Case Report

Overview

Journal Open Vet J

Specialty Veterinary Medicine

Date 2023 Jan 18

PMID 36650880

Authors

Laura Gabriela Bass

Paula Pena-Alvarez

Juan D Hidalgo-Dittel

Fernando D Robles-Herrera

Paula M Cappella-Flores

Diego S Zuniga-Cortes

Roberto W I Olivares

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: spp. is a Gram-positive, coccoid microorganism that forms tetrads or octets, and is observed with a characteristic "bundle" arrangement. The most recognized species are and . It has been described as part of the normal microbiota in horses and cats, but it has also been linked to abomasal bloat in goats, lambs, and calves, although its causality has not been proven yet.

Case Description: This work presents the case of a 3-months-old female horse that died of generalized tympanism. Macroscopic findings showed mild cyanosis and abundant gas in the lumen of the stomach, and small and large bowel. Microscopically, high numbers of Gram-positive microorganisms compatible with spp. in the gastric lumen and on the surface of the small and large bowel were observed, along with mild inflammation.

Conclusion: The severe tympanism was the only relevant lesion observed and could explain the death of the animal. Although it is not possible to determine a relationship between these lesions and spp., it is interesting to highlight that the high amount of these bacteria could be associated with gas production and tympanism. It is important to continue investigating the role of spp. in horses, and its possible link with tympanism.

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