## Overview The abdominal form of Rhodococcus equi infection in foals involves abscessation of mesenteric lymph nodes and ulcerative enterocolitis, in addition to or instead of the classic lung abscesses. Foals 1 to 6 months old show chronic diarrhea, weight loss, a pot-bellied appearance, and abdominal lymphadenopathy on ultrasound. Concurrent pneumonia is common. The prognosis is less favorable than for pulmonary disease alone. ## Causes Rhodococcus equi. ## Diagnosis Ultrasound of the abdomen and thorax, and culture or polymerase chain reaction. ## Treatment Prolonged combination antibiotic therapy (often a macrolide plus rifampin). Supportive care. Response is variable. ## Recovery and Prognosis Guarded. Abdominal involvement worsens the outlook compared with lung-only disease. ## Prevention Farm-specific management and early screening on endemic farms.
chronic diarrhea in foals; weight loss; pot-bellied appearance; abdominal lymphadenopathy on ultrasound; often concurrent pneumonia
## Overview The abdominal form of Rhodococcus equi infection in foals involves abscessation of mesenteric lymph nodes and ulcerative enterocolitis, in addition to or instead of the classic lung abscesses. Foals 1 to 6 months old show chronic diarrhea, weight loss, a pot-bellied appearance, and abdominal lymphadenopathy on ultrasound. Concurrent pneumonia is common. The prognosis is less favorable than for pulmonary disease alone. ## Causes Rhodococcus equi. ## Diagnosis Ultrasound of the abdomen and thorax, and culture or polymerase chain reaction. ## Treatment Prolonged combination antibiotic therapy (often a macrolide plus rifampin). Supportive care. Response is variable. ## Recovery and Prognosis Guarded. Abdominal involvement worsens the outlook compared with lung-only disease. ## Prevention Farm-specific management and early screening on endemic farms.
chronic diarrhea in foals; weight loss; pot-bellied appearance; abdominal lymphadenopathy on ultrasound; often concurrent pneumonia