Submandibular lymph node abscess caused by Actinomyces denticolens in a horse in Ontario.
Abstract: This is the first report of the isolation of Actinomyces denticolens, an opportunistic pathogen, from a draining submandibular lymph node abscess in a horse in Ontario. Due to the similarity of the clinical signs with strangles, this pathogen should be included in the differential diagnosis of submandibular lymphadenopathy in the horse. Il s’agit du premier rapport d’isolement d’ un agent pathogène opportuniste, lors du drainage d’un abcès d’un ganglion lymphatique sous-maxillaire chez un cheval en Ontario. En raison de la similarité des signes cliniques avec ceux de la gourme, cet agent pathogène devrait être inclus dans le diagnostic différentiel d’une lymphadénopathie sous-maxillaire chez le cheval. (Traduit par Isabelle Vallières)
Publication Date: 2011-11-02 PubMed ID: 22043071PubMed Central: PMC3078004
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Summary
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This study documents the first known case of a horse in Ontario contracting a specific abscess-causing bacteria, Actinomyces denticolens. The findings suggest this bacteria should be considered in diagnoses of similar abscess concerns in horses due to its resemblance to strangles, another common equine infection.
Introduction
- The research paper discusses the first instance of Actinomyces denticolens isolation from a horse’s submandibular lymph node abscess. Actinomyces denticolens is an opportunistic pathogen, which means it typically causes disease in already weak or compromised immune systems.
- This particular case is noteworthy due to its location in Ontario and its clinical similarity to “strangles,” a common equine disease caused by a completely different bacterium.
Differential Diagnosis Consideration
- Due to the clinical signs’ similarity with strangles, the paper suggests including Actinomyces denticolens in the differential diagnosis. Differential diagnosis is a process that medical professionals use to distinguish a particular disease or condition from others that present similar clinical features.
- By considering this bacterium in the differential diagnosis, veterinarians could take a more comprehensive approach when treating horses with submandibular lymphadenopathy, a disease characterized by enlarged lymph nodes, particularly those of the submandibular region.
Implications of the Study
- This research encourages the consideration of a wider range of potential pathogens in horses, particularly those presenting with submandibular lymphadenopathy, which is often associated with strangles.
- By broadening the differential diagnosis, veterinarians can be better prepared for a variety of infections and disease processes that might occur in horses, allowing for more accurate diagnoses and targeted treatments.
Cite This Article
APA
Beck A, Baird JD, Slavić D.
(2011).
Submandibular lymph node abscess caused by Actinomyces denticolens in a horse in Ontario.
Can Vet J, 52(5), 513-514.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1. aswinbec@uoguelph.ca
MeSH Terms
- Abscess / complications
- Abscess / diagnosis
- Abscess / veterinary
- Actinomyces / isolation & purification
- Actinomycosis / complications
- Actinomycosis / diagnosis
- Actinomycosis / veterinary
- Animals
- Diagnosis, Differential
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horses
- Lymph Nodes / microbiology
- Lymph Nodes / pathology
- Lymphatic Diseases / complications
- Lymphatic Diseases / diagnosis
- Lymphatic Diseases / veterinary
- Male
- Ontario
References
This article includes 15 references
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Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- van den Wollenberg L, van Maanen C, Buter R, Janszen P, Rey F, van Engelen E. Detection and molecular characterization of Actinomyces denticolens causing lymph node abscessation in horses.. Front Vet Sci 2023;10:1225528.
- Murakami S, Kobayashi T, Sekigawa Y, Torii Y, Kanesaki Y, Ishige T, Yokoyama E, Ishiwata H, Hamada M, Tamura T. Actinomyces denticolens as a causative agent of actinomycosis in animals.. J Vet Med Sci 2018 Nov 9;80(11):1650-1656.
- Murakami S, Otaki M, Hayashi Y, Higuchi K, Kobayashi T, Torii Y, Yokoyama E, Azuma R. Actinomyces denticolens colonisation identified in equine tonsillar crypts.. Vet Rec Open 2016;3(1):e000161.
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