Efficacy of azithromycin in preventing pulmonary abscesses in foals.

Abstract

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.

• Authors: Monica Venner, Birte Reinhold, Martin Beyerbach, Karsten Feige
• Journal: Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997) (Vet J) Vol. 179 Issue 2 Pg. 301-3 (Feb 2009) ISSN: 1090-0233 [Print] England
• PMID: 18023599 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anti-Bacterial Agents
• Azithromycin

Topics

• Animals
• Animals, Newborn
• Anti-Bacterial Agents (therapeutic use)
• Azithromycin (therapeutic use)
• Female
• Horse Diseases (prevention & control)
• Horses
• Lung Abscess (prevention & control, veterinary)
• Male
• Pneumonia, Bacterial (prevention & control, veterinary)
• Random Allocation
• Treatment Outcome