Clinical and radiographic findings in Corynebacterium equi pneumonia of foals.

This research studied the clinical and radiographic signs of pneumonia in foals caused by Corynebacterium equi. Across thirty-nine foals, the study found that symptoms such as increased respiratory rate, fever, and leukocytosis, along with radiographic evidence of pneumonia, were common. The team divided the foals into two groups: those who died due to the infection and those who were successfully treated.

Study Participants and Division

• The study was conducted on thirty-nine foals who were admitted to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at the University of California, Davis.
• Each came down with pneumonia and testing confirmed the presence of Corynebacterium equi: a bacterium causing the illness.
• The foals were divided into two groups. Group I comprised of 20 foals who died due to pneumonia, while Group II consisted of 19 foals who recovered from the illness.

Clinical Signs and Symptoms

• The common clinical signs among the foals included increased respiratory rate, fever, cough, nasal discharge, increased bronchovesicular sounds over large airways, and wheezing over small airways.
• A significant difference was found in the mean respiratory rate and body temperature between the two groups, with Group I (foals who died) having higher rates.

Hematological Findings and Bacterial Culture

• All the foals showed hematological evidence of leukocytosis with neutrophilia, monocytosis, and high plasma fibrinogen content.
• The mean total leukocyte count, neutrophil count, monocyte count, and fibrinogen values were significantly higher in Group I as compared to Group II.
• While C. equi bacteria were isolated independently in 25 cases, in 14 occurrences, the bacteria were part of multiple pathogens.

Radiographic Evidence

• All foals showed radiographic signs of pneumonia during initial examination.
• Pulmonary consolidation indicative of bronchopneumonia was identified in 31 out of 39 foals.