Actinomycosis in Horses

Actinomyces bacteria normally live in the mouth and in the nasal passages near the throat. One species, Actinomyces bovis, has been identified infrequently in infections in horses, including fistulous withers and poll evil. Disease occurs when this bacterium invades soft tissues by way of penetrating wounds of the mouth (such as those that occur from chewing wire or coarse hay). Involvement of the nearby bone frequently results in facial distortion, loose teeth (making chewing difficult), and difficulty breathing due to swelling of the nasal cavity. Treatment is rarely successful in longterm cases in which bone is involved, due to the poor penetration of antibacterial drugs into the affected area. In less advanced cases, your veterinarian may prescribe an antibiotic.