Erythema Multiforme in a Central American Tapir Calf: Clinical Case Report
May 2023
in “
Frontiers in veterinary science
”
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Studysummary This study describes the successful treatment of erythema multiforme in a young Central American tapir with a combination of wound care, silver sulfadiazine cream, and oral prednisolone, emphasizing the importance of diagnostic testing for vesicular dermatitis syndromes in tapirs.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
A 7-month-old male Central American tapir calf exhibited symptoms such as lethargy, severe hyperalgesia, skin lesions, and alopecia, which were diagnosed as erythema multiforme, a rare condition in tapirs. The tapir had a history of recurrent respiratory diseases and had been treated with amoxicillin with clavulanic acid. Treatment for erythema multiforme included daily wound cleaning, application of silver sulfadiazine cream, and a 15-day course of oral prednisolone with a tapering dose over five days. This treatment led to clinical improvement and cure of the disease. The case highlights the importance of performing necessary tests to differentiate between diseases in the vesicular dermatitis syndrome complex, as definitive diagnosis is often not achieved due to lack of testing.
