title: Intracranial abscess caused by Rhodococcus equi infection in a foal.
abstract: METHODS
  A 4-month-old Missouri Fox Trotter colt was examined for a 5-week history of head tilt after treatment for suspected pulmonary Rhodococcus equi infection.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Computed tomography revealed osteolysis of the occipital, temporal, and caudal portion of the parietal bones of the left side of the cranium. A soft tissue mass compressing the occipital region of the cerebral cortex and cerebellum was associated with the osteolytic bone.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A rostrotentorial-suboccipital craniectomy approach was performed to remove fragmented occipital bone, debulk the intracranial mass, and obtain tissue samples for histologic examination and bacterial culture. All neurologic deficits improved substantially within 3 days after surgery. Bacterial culture of the resected soft tissue and bone fragments yielded R equi.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Intracranial surgery in veterinary medicine has been limited to dogs and cats; however, in select cases, extrapolation of surgical techniques used in humans and small animals can assist with intracranial procedures in horses.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
authors.forename: John C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Janicek
authors.forename: Joanne
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kramer
authors.forename: Joan R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Coates
authors.forename: Jimmy C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Lattimer
authors.forename: Alison M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Lacarrubba
authors.forename: Nat T
authors.initials: NT
authors.lastname: Messer
mesh_terms: D000193:Actinomycetales Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020802:Epidural Abscess / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D006736:Horses; D008297:Male; D018410:Pneumonia, Bacterial / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary; D016929:Rhodococcus equi / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents