Treatment of pythiosis in equine limbs using intravenous regional perfusion of amphotericin B.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the effects of intravenous regional limb perfusion (IRLP) administration of amphotericin B in horses to treat pythiosis after surgical excision and thermocautery.

STUDY DESIGN:

Case series.

ANIMALS:

Horses (n = 12) with Pythium insidiosum infection of the distal aspect of the thoracic or pelvic limbs.

METHODS:

After surgical excision of granulation tissue and thermocautery, 50 mg amphotericin B was administered by IRLP through a catheter placed in a superficial vein of the affected limb next to the lesion after placing a tourniquet above the injection site. The lesions and locomotor system were evaluated before treatment and at 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 60 days.

RESULTS:

Ninety-two percent of horses treated with amphotericin B had complete lesion resolution 35 or 60 days after 1 or 2 IRLP treatments, respectively. IRLP induced limb edema and pain during regional palpation in 42%, and inflammation of the injection site in 33% of horses; however these signs resolved after 14 days.

CONCLUSIONS:

IRLP administration of amphotericin B was effective for treating pythiosis in equine limbs, resolving infection with manageable side effects.

• Authors: Renata G S Dória, Silvio H Freitas, Renata L Linardi, Fábio de Souza Mendonça, Laura P Arruda, Fabiana M Boabaid, Carlos A A Valadão
• Journal: Veterinary surgery : VS (Vet Surg) Vol. 41 Issue 6 Pg. 759-65 (Aug 2012) ISSN: 1532-950X [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 22846053 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: © Copyright 2012 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Chemical References

• Anti-Infective Agents
• Amphotericin B

Topics

• Amphotericin B (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Animals
• Anti-Infective Agents (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Female
• Forelimb (microbiology, pathology)
• Hindlimb (microbiology, pathology)
• Horse Diseases (drug therapy)
• Horses
• Injections, Intravenous
• Male
• Pythiosis (drug therapy, veterinary)
• Pythium (isolation & purification)