Pitiosis in a pregnant mare in the Recôncavo da Bahia: Case report

Abstract

Pythiosis is a granulomatous, exsutadative, and highly itchy skin disease caused by the etiological agent Pythium insidiosum that can affect several species, including some domestic, wild animals, and also humans. P. insidiosum is an oomycete, classified as a zoosphoric, thermophilic, being a common inhabitant of the soil and wetlands. The aim of this study was to report a clinical case of pythiosis treated at the University Hospital of Veterinary Medicine at the Federal University of Recôncavo da Bahia (UFRB). A Mangalarga mare, with five years of age, with 380 kg of body weight, and with an estimated gestation between 9 and 10 months. In the initial clinical evaluation, it was found the presence of pruritic skin lesions suggestive of pythiosis, with the presence of “kunkers” and with filamentous secretion. The diagnosis was confirmed by cytological examinations through imprint and direct swab of the lesions, stained by panopticon and by maceration and clarification with 10% potassium hydroxide. In the hematological examination, the animal presented in addition to anemia, intense leukocytosis (54,750 µL) due to neutrophilia, lymphocytosis, eosinophilia and monocytosis. Due to advanced pregnancy, it was opted for the therapy with Pitium-vac® immunotherapy, for daily wound management, intramuscular penicillin antibiotic therapy, anti-inflammatory therapy with meloxican, intramuscular, vitamin supplements, orally, and the use of a restraining collar. to avoid self-mutilation. During the hospitalization period, childbirth took place, and thereafter, treatment with triacinolone acetonide (50 mg weekly) was instituted once a day, every 8 days, for a total of 3 doses and intramuscularly. The animal remained hospitalized for 130 days, and the complete remission of the lesions was observed after 230 days of initiation of treatment. Pythiosis should be considered a differential diagnosis of granulomatous skin diseases in horses in the Recôncavo da Bahia, the treatment instituted was effective, with a significant recovery after the application of triacinolone acetonide.