Descrição de lesões isquêmicas em jejuno por Actinomyces spp. em equino: Relato de caso

Abstract

The objective is to report a case of ischemic colic in a horse caused by abscesses of Actynomices spp. as it is a rarely reported agent in gastrointestinal disorders. A clinic specializing in equine medicine was asked to treat a quarter horse, male, 1 year and 6 months old, who had been showing progressive weight loss, decreased appetite, apathy, thick and bristly hair for approximately 1 month. On physical examination, the parameters were within the physiological range, only the ocular mucosa was pale pink, and a blood count, serum biochemistry and urinalysis were requested. An evaluation of the oral cavity was also carried out, but no changes were found. The blood count revealed normocytic normochromic anemia, leukopenia and hypoproteinemia. The animal was then treated for Babesiosis with Imicarb® 1mg/kg/IM/BID for 2 days, ceftiofur 4.4mg/kg SID for 5 days, in addition to supportive therapy with fluid therapy, vitaminized serum for 3 days. As there was no clinical improvement, it was decided to combine gentamicin 6.6 mg/kg daily for 5 days and firocoxib oral paste for 5 days. After the end of treatment, the patient did not show good clinical evolution and was then treated for Leptospirosis with Streptomax® 25mg/kg SID for 2 days. However, there was no remission of the anemia and weight loss. After 1 month and 10 days of the first treatment, the animal began showing signs of abdominal discomfort, requiring further assistance from the veterinary team. Upon arriving at the stud, the animal had gone into shock and died. The team performed an autopsy and found an ischemic process due to obstructions caused by abscesses in vessels of the mesentery in a section of the jejunum that caused necrosis in this region and abscesses in the mesentery of the cecum. In addition to the vessels, the mesenteric lymph nodes were also affected. The material was collected and sent for microbiological examination, obtaining a positive result for Actynomices spp. Therefore, it is concluded that the cause of death of the animal studied was ischemia caused by abscesses of Actynomyces spp in the mesenteric vessels leading to failure of blood supply in the intestinal loops and, consequently, colic. There are no specific measures for the control and prophylaxis of actinomycosis due to the low occurrence of the clinical disease and the presence of the microorganism in the oral microbiota of animals. The microbiological analysis of the abscesses was extremely important for defining the diagnosis, given that this type of colic has a low occurrence in equine medical clinics.