Pitiose equina no estado de Sergipe, Brasil

Pythiosis is an aquatic oomycete caused by the Pythium insidiosum. It occurs in some animal species, however the illness is more frequently observed in horses. Pythiosis is closely related to animal contact with contaminated water by the agent. The objective of this study was to evaluate a mare, from the city of Riachao Dantas, in the state of Sergipe. The animal presented in the region of the face, ulcerated granulomes with abundant serosanguineous secretion. It was characterized by its tumoral appearance with necrotic tissue in a yellowish-white coloration, firm consistence, and irregular form known as kunkers. Besides a clinical examination, complementary exams were carried out, such as: isolation of the agent, histopathological and findings of the autopsy, confirming a diagnosis of subcutaneous pythiosis. Surgical treatments, chemotherapy and immunotherapy, were made but there was no recovery of the animal and euthanasia was carried out. It was concluded that pythiosis is a disease that requires attention due to the difficulty in imposing an effective therapy and the risk it poses to the lives of animals affected.