Septicemia, atrial fibrillation, cardiomegaly, left atrial mass, and Rhodococcus equi septic osteoarthritis in a foal.
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A foal with vegetative bacterial endocarditis affecting the wall of the left atrium was treated successfully with cefotaxime, erythromycin, and rifampin. Bacterial isolates included Escherichia coli from blood and Rhodococcus equi from a P-type osteomyelitic lesion of the left third metatarsal bone and from synovial fluid from the left metatarsophalangeal joint. Cardiac complications included cardiomegaly and atrial fibrillation, which responded to treatment with digoxin and quinidine sulfate. Cardiac function was considered normal 18 months after treatment. Bacteriologic cure of osteoarthritis was achieved by use of surgical debridement, lavage, and local and systemic antimicrobial treatment; however, lameness developed 18 months after treatment when training for flat racing was begun. Radiography revealed chronic degenerative joint disease.
