Antifungal non-invasive soak under general anaesthetic to treat fungal rhinitis in an Australian Quarter Horse gelding at pasture.

BACKGROUND: Mycotic rhinitis is a rare disease in horses, with few cases reported worldwide and none reported in Australia. Fungal infection of the upper respiratory tract can occur in all species, but its prevalence in horses is considerably lower than in canines or humans. The disease is linked to a variety of pathogens and the clinical signs are associated with subsequent upper respiratory tract damage. CASE REPORT: A 6-year-old Quarter Horse gelding in Queensland, Australia, was presented with chronic nasal discharge and dyspnoea following previous unsuccessful medical treatment of 9 months' duration. Culture yielded a mixed growth of Cryptococcus and Rhodotorula, as well as secondary bacterial species. The horse was anaesthetised and positioned in sternal recumbency. The nasal passages and sinuses were bathed with fluconazole and dimethylsulfoxide for 1 h on two separate occasions 4 weeks apart. Systemic antimicrobials and corticosteroids were also administered for brief courses. Endoscopic examination 4 months after treatment demonstrated clinical resolution of the rhinitis with residual scar tissue. Owners reported resolution of clinical signs and following the treatment the gelding was able to perform athletically. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Mycotic rhinitis is an unusual disease that can be difficult to treat successfully. This report describes a technique for topical sinonasal bathing under general anaesthetic that was well tolerated, easy to perform and resulted in a successful clinical outcome.

Comparison of conventional radiography and computed tomography as aids in the diagnosis of osteomyelitis in 11 foals.

BACKGROUND: Conventional radiography is currently the most common imaging modality used by veterinarians investigating foals with suspected osteomyelitis. Emerging evidence in adult horses and humans suggests computed tomography (CT) is a superior modality for evaluation of osseous changes in general. This study aimed to evaluate the potential benefits of CT versus conventional radiography in cases of osteomyelitis in foals. METHODS: Cases of osteomyelitis in foals under 6 months of age admitted over a 6-year period at a single referral hospital that had both CT and conventional radiography images were retrieved. Case details and measurements of the largest area of bone lysis identified in two planes (lateromedial/sagittal and dorsopalmar/dorsal) were evaluated by three veterinarians with a range of experience. RESULTS: A significant difference regarding lesion size was seen on the lateromedial (LM) radiographic projections compared with the equivalent sagittal plane CT image. The LM radiographic evaluation resulted in a 37% underestimation of the area of the lesion. Additionally, use of the LM radiographic projections were 2.5-fold more variable in the measurement area compared with CT. In general, regardless of projection, CT produced more information regarding lesion area and, in some cases, detected osseous changes that were not evident on the radiographs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: LM radiographic projections are less reliable and commonly result in an under-appreciation of lesion size and extent. CT detected lesions that were difficult or impossible to identify on radiographs and may allow improved treatment planning.