Septic funiculitis caused by S treptococcus equi subspecies equi infection with associated immune‐mediated haemolytic anaemia

Summary A 2‐year‐old Q uarter H orse gelding presented for anaemia, icterus, depression and intermittent colic 2 weeks after routine castration. Bilateral septic funiculitis with S treptoccocus equi ssp. equi with secondary immune‐mediated haemolytic anaemia were diagnosed. A blood transfusion was required to facilitate general anaesthesia for surgical excision of the septic funiculitis. Antibiotic therapy was provided initially with chloramphenicol and later enrofloxacin. Immunosuppressive therapy was provided with dexamethasone and later azathioprine. The horse responded well to treatment and was discharged 8 weeks after presentation. S treptococcus equi ssp. equi should be considered in cases with septic funiculitis and the potential for a secondary immune‐mediated haemolytic anaemia exists with this bacterial species.