## Overview Vertebral body osteomyelitis is bacterial infection of a vertebral body. It is most common in foals (often Rhodococcus equi) or from hematogenous spread in adults. Signs include fever, stiffness, reluctance to move, pain on spinal palpation, and progressive neurologic deficits if the spinal cord is compressed. White blood cell count is elevated. ## Causes Bacterial seeding, frequently Rhodococcus equi in foals. ## Diagnosis Radiographs, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging, plus bloodwork and culture. ## Treatment Prolonged antibiotics. Surgery if there is abscess or cord compression. Prognosis is guarded. ## Recovery and Prognosis Guarded, especially once neurologic signs appear. ## Prevention Rhodococcus control on endemic farms.
fever; stiffness; reluctance to move; pain on spinal palpation; progressive neurologic deficits; elevated white blood cell count
## Overview Vertebral body osteomyelitis is bacterial infection of a vertebral body. It is most common in foals (often Rhodococcus equi) or from hematogenous spread in adults. Signs include fever, stiffness, reluctance to move, pain on spinal palpation, and progressive neurologic deficits if the spinal cord is compressed. White blood cell count is elevated. ## Causes Bacterial seeding, frequently Rhodococcus equi in foals. ## Diagnosis Radiographs, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging, plus bloodwork and culture. ## Treatment Prolonged antibiotics. Surgery if there is abscess or cord compression. Prognosis is guarded. ## Recovery and Prognosis Guarded, especially once neurologic signs appear. ## Prevention Rhodococcus control on endemic farms.
fever; stiffness; reluctance to move; pain on spinal palpation; progressive neurologic deficits; elevated white blood cell count