Mechanical ventilation and management of botulism secondary to an injection abscess in an adult horse.

The research paper addresses the uncommon case of wound botulism in a horse due to an injection site abscess, exploring the treatment and management of the condition, which typically occurs in horses following trauma or surgery.

Background of the Study

• The research deals with a rare occurrence of wound botulism in a horse, caused by a substance injection, a situation that has not been previously reported in veterinary literature.
• Wound botulism typically occurs in humans due to hypodermic needle puncture often linked with illicit drug use, whereas for horses, its connection is primarily with direct physical trauma or surgery.

Case Study

• The case study focuses on a 2-year-old Quarter Horse filly, which began showing signs of abdominal pain following an intramuscular injection in the right brachiocephalic region of the neck. The subsequent swelling, heat, and pain at the site were suggestive of wound infection.
• The condition of the horse continued to deteriorate after receiving the injection, with symptoms of dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), depression, and overall weakness indicating an exacerbation of the underlying condition. Persisting swelling and pain at the injection site were noted.

Treatment Approach

• The attending veterinarian prescribed and administered a cocktail of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs, including procaine penicillin G, gentamicin sulphate, flunixin meglumine, and dexamethasone, to reduce the symptoms and fight off bacterial infection.
• A mont was made in the swelling on the horse’s neck, from which purulent material was excreted, indicating the presence of pus from a local abscess or infection. An endoscopic examination of the larynx was initiated, but the full details are not provided in the excerpt.