Oropharyngeal botryomycosis in a geriatric mare

Abstract

Summary Botryomycosis is an uncommon chronic bacterial infection that can have cutaneous and visceral involvement. This report describes an 18‐year‐old mixed‐breed mare presented with dysphagia, dyspnoea and an upper respiratory noise that developed secondary to oropharyngeal botryomycosis. Histological examination of the mass showed a granulomatous formation with Splendore–Hoeppli phenomenon surrounding Gram‐positive bacteria. This report describes the clinical signs, approach and management of an oropharyngeal Staphylococcus aureus granuloma in a geriatric mare.

Botryomycosis‐like discospondylitis of the thoracic spine in a Friesian horse with severe bilateral pelvic limb ataxia and paresis

“…In horses, very long courses of antibiotics are not always sufficient and surgical excision is advised (Knottenbelt, 2003(Knottenbelt, , 2009. Surgical excision was successful in a geriatric mare with an oropharyngeal botryomycosis (Merchan et al, 2019). The bacteria are protected from the host's immune system and antimicrobials due to the Splendori-Hoeppli reaction, inflammatory cells and formation of fibrous connective tissue encapsulating the bacteria (Kvist et al, 2002).…”

“…Botryomycosis is described in equids, ruminants, pigs, companion animals, guinea pigs, rabbits, elephants, primates and humans (Bender‐Saebelkampf et al, 2019; Bostrom et al, 1969; Brack et al, 1997; Casamián‐Sorrosal et al, 2008; Hedley et al, 2019; Johns et al, 2014; Loader et al, 2018; Merchan et al, 2019; Miller et al, 2001; Share & Utroska, 2002; Sleeman et al, 2003). Two main forms have been described, depending on the localisation of the primary lesion: a more common cutaneous form and a visceral form (Winslow, 1959).…”

“…Both can secondarily invade osseous structures (Brack et al, 1997; Johns et al, 2014; Ocampo‐Garza et al, 2017; Pruitt et al, 1995). In horses, not only the skin of the limbs, lips, chin, and scrotum is most commonly affected (Mauldin & Peters‐Kennedy, 2016), but also other tissues such as lungs, oropharynx, mammary glands, brain and the spermatic cord after castration can be targeted (Bollinger, 1870; Johns et al, 2014; Merchan et al, 2019; Moreira et al, 2018).…”