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Discussion on Chronic returning leg infection-pasturella
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Member:
alveron
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 27, 2008 - 12:58 pm:
Two years ago we thought this Zippo mare (11 years old now) was suffering with Osteochondritis - and took her to UF Equine Center for surgery - while she has a OsteochonDrOtin (boney growth) that was not determined her former problem - she was diagnosed and underwent surgery for massive infection in her leg all the way up to her chest. It was determined pasturella infection. It was flushed and she was on strong antibiotics intravenously for one week - sent home and continued on SMP TMZ tablets 12 tabs twice daily - orally - bute for one week and off bute but kept on antibotic for four weeks. Cleared up and she had a beautiful foal.
Now in 2008 - July 4th weekend - she was fine one night - we had a terrible storm - she was down in pasture with swollen same leg - I thought she twisted it or something - but not the issue - the infection had evidently returned. Neither UF doctors nor local vet could believe this after two years. She has been put on SMP TMZ tabs 12 twice a day and bute - pulled her off bute and the second day - leg swells to non-walking status again - put back on and the next day she is walking and swelling is down - but not totally. A culture was taken - but vet said since it didn't show anything, it was probably hidden by the antibiotics in her system.
Took her off TMZ tabs - everytime I try to remove bute - the leg increases and she cannot walk.
} I read your comments on the Duralactin - so not sure that is an option.
Local vet thinks the infection hides in the Osteo problem and then decides when to come out and feels she will always have the infection.
Is there another antibiotic to fight this type of infection since the infection may now be non-responsive to TMZ? 
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 28, 2008 - 6:47 am:
Hello Vernoica,
Have you considered chloramphenicol or erythromycin? Pasturella is often sensitive to these and they have good bone penetration. For more on these antibiotics and others see Treatments and Medications for Horses ยป Antibiotics and Antimicrobials.
DrO
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Member:
alveron
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 28, 2008 - 9:03 am:
DrO, Thank you for your prompt reply. As I read the Erythromycin, it appears to say NOT to use it in adult horses. It also says to use it in conjunction with Rifampin? Will I need to buy two different products or are they combined?
Would a better choice be the Chloramphenicol?
Also - have we determined what I can give her for the chronic swelling instead of Bute? I have put her back to 1/2 scoop 2 times daily - began last night - usually this makes the swelling come back full blown, but I keep trying to wean her off it.
Also, this morning appeared mucus or puss - which did not come from the leg - but perhaps from her nose. It was on the ground on the bottom of a gate between her and another horse - but I feel it is from her as the other is her daughter - a coming two-year old with no signs of illness. Could this mean an infection has spread?
Thank you,
Ronnie
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Member:
alveron
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 28, 2008 - 9:23 am:
DrO - I cannot locate Chloramphenicol for use in horses - where does one get this?
Ronnie
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Friday, Aug 29, 2008 - 9:35 am:
The use of erythromycin in adults does have issues however all antibiotics run this risk and is also reported with penicillin and TMP/SMZ use. It is hard to document the incidence of the erythromycin problem with published clinical cases and in fairly small studies on the pharmacokinetics in adult horses the problem did not occur. So it is with all antibiotics, you have to balance the indication and contraindications including availability and cost. Your problem seems fairly serious so I brings these out because they are not usually considered. They are a plethora of antibiotics available as listed on the antibiotic page referred to above. You will find the article on chloramphenicol on that same page, ahhh 5th down from the top.
DrO
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Member:
alveron
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Posted on Friday, Aug 29, 2008 - 1:38 pm:
Dr. O. Where can I purchase these antibiotics?
Do I need an RX?
Also, what can I use for the inflammation?
Ronnie
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Saturday, Aug 30, 2008 - 7:34 am:
Yes most of these antibiotics require prescription though penicillin and tetracycline is usually available through livestock firms.
DrO
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