Abstract

Castration is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in equine practice, and potential complications may range from mild to life-threatening conditions. This paper aims to report clinical and laboratory features, treatment, and long-term follow-up information in a case of funiculitis causing sepsis-associated laminitis and acute renal failure (ARF) in a Mangalarga Marchador gelding. A 5-years-old Mangalarga Marchador gelding was referred for hospital care after 7 days of an open orchiectomy approach on farm-setting. Physical examination revealed hyperemic mucous membranes, dehydration, tachycardia, scrotal swelling with a foul-smelling serousanguinous discharge, increased hoof temperature and digital pulse amplitude, and lameness. Laboratory findings leukocytosis by neutrophilia, hypoalbuminemia, high creatinine and urea levels; and an increased number of bacteria, leukocytes, and hyaline cylinders on urinalysis. After three days of intensive care, the horse underwent general anesthesia for surgical resection of the infected spermatic cord stumps. Microbiological assays revealed Streptococcus spp. and a multi-resistant Escherichia coli. This report highlights uncommon post-castration complications in a Mangalarga Marchador gelding as a consequence of septic funiculitis. Furthermore, the microbiological isolation of a multi-resistant E. coli strain raises concerns about the indiscriminate use of antibiotics in equine practice.

Key words: castration, orchiectomy, scirrhous cord, septic funiculitis.