Efficacy of azithromycin in preventing pulmonary abscesses in foals.
The prophylactic application of azithromycin to prevent pulmonary abscesses in foals was evaluated on a stud with endemic Rhodococcus equi pneumonia. Forty-five foals served as untreated controls in two groups. Twenty-five foals were given azithromycin (10mg/kg) orally once daily for 4 weeks. The foals were examined once a week from birth to the age of 5 months. If clinical signs or leucocytosis were noted and pulmonary sonographic findings (diameter >10 mm) were observed, the diagnosis of abscessing pneumonia was made. The prevalence of pulmonary abscesses was similar in the control groups (31/45 foals), and in the azithromycin group (15/25 foals), but the foals in the azithromycin group were affected significantly later (median: day 83, range 67-123 days) (control groups: day 54, range 52-82; and 46, range 28-86 days). It was concluded that the application of azithromycin for 28 days post-natally does not reduce the prevalence of pulmonary abscesses in foals on a stud with endemic pneumonia.
Venner
Monica
M
University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, D-30173 Hannover, Germany. monica.venner@tiho-hannover.de
Reinhold
Birte
B
Beyerbach
Martin
M
Feige
Karsten
K
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017963:Azithromycin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006736:Horses; D008169:Lung Abscess / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D018410:Pneumonia, Bacterial / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D011897:Random Allocation; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D017963:Azithromycin