Eikenella corrodens osteomyelitis of the axis in a foal.

This research involves a case of a foal suffering from osteomyelitis of the axis (a form of spinal infection), caused by Eikenella corrodens, a bacterium not previously linked to diseases in horses. The situation was resolved through a surgical procedure along with long-term antibiotic treatment which led to an uncomplicated recovery.

About Osteomyelitis and the Infecting Bacterium

• The research article presents a case where a horse foal was found to have osteomyelitis of the axis. Osteomyelitis refers to an infection of the bone, which in this case, was localized at the ‘axis’. The axis is the second cervical (neck) vertebra of the horse’s spine that allows it to rotate its head.
• The infecting bacterium was Eikenella corrodens. This microorganism, while known to cause oral and respiratory tract infections in humans, had not been previously linked with diseases in horses. Thus, its isolation from the infected tissue of the horse indicated a new pathogenic potential for this bacterium.

Treatment Procedure

• The foal underwent a surgical treatment known as dorsal laminectomy. This involved the removal of the infected spinous process (the bony projection off the back of each vertebra) and lamina (the part of the vertebra that forms the vertebral arch) from the axis.
• Post-operatively, the foal was administered antibiotics for a period of six weeks to eliminate the bacterial infection and prevent recurrence.

Recovery and Significance of the Case

• The recovery of the foal was uncomplicated, indicating the effectiveness of the surgical and antibiotic treatment. This suggested that dorsal laminectomy, combined with prolonged antibiotic therapy, could be a successful treatment approach for osteomyelitis of the axis in horses caused by Eikenella corrodens.
• This case broadens our understanding of the diseases Eikenella corrodens can cause, as this is the first known instance of it causing osteomyelitis in horses. Further research is required to assess the prevalence and impact of this bacterium in horse health.