Lip lesions in horses: case report

Abstract

ABSTRACT The article presents the results of monitoring studies on the mucous membrane lesions in Trakehner horses. Based on clinical examination, the localization, size, and number of ulcers, as well as the inflammatory reaction to the presence of necrotic tissue, were determined. In addition to clinical examination, planimetric studies were also carried out to determine the size of the ulcers and the dynamics of their reduction during treatment with aerosol application of PVP iodine spray. To determine the nature of inflammation in the lesion focus, smears were taken from the surface of the ulcers. Microbiological and mycological studies of pathological tissues and feed samples were carried out to establish the etiological factors contributing to the ulcers. It was found that the size of the ulcers varied from 1 to 6 cm, and they were located on the upper and lower lips on both the right and left sides. Neutrophilic leukocytosis was observed in the focus of inflammation. Leukocytes actively phagocytized microorganisms present in the pathological focus. Microscopic fungi of the species A. flavus, A. fumigatus, M. species, and P. commune sprouted on Saburo medium from necrotic tissues of the pathological focus. A similar composition of fungal species was obtained by sowing feed samples fed to horses. Microbiological studies of ulcers revealed the growth of two microorganisms, S. aureus and P. vulgaris, on Baird-Parker agar. On the third day of treatment, compared to the first day, the size of the ulcers decreased by 22.8 %. It is recommended to perform primary surgical treatment of the ulcer, apply PVP iodine spray once a day, and replace the affected feed with high-quality feed to achieve a positive therapeutic effect.