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Fibrinous pericarditis in the horse
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|February 1, 1982
Summary
Congestive heart failure in horses can lead to pericardial effusion and fibrin deposition. Actinobacillus equuli was identified in one case, but other pathogens were not found in this equine heart failure study.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Cardiology
- Equine Medicine
- Infectious Disease
Background:
- Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a serious condition in adult horses.
- Diagnosis and treatment of CHF in horses can be challenging.
- Pericardial effusion is a potential sequela of cardiac disease.
Observation:
- Four adult horses presented with clinical signs of CHF, including muffled heart sounds, tachycardia, jugular distention, and peripheral edema.
- Standard treatments for CHF were ineffective in all cases.
- Necropsy revealed significant pericardial effusion and epicardial fibrin deposition.
Findings:
- Bacterial and viral cultures of pericardial fluid were negative in three of the four horses.
- Actinobacillus equuli was isolated from the pericardial fluid in one horse.
- The cause of congestive heart failure and subsequent pericardial effusion remained undetermined in the majority of cases.
Implications:
- This study highlights the poor prognosis for horses presenting with severe congestive heart failure and pericardial effusion.
- Further research is needed to identify causative agents and develop effective treatments for equine pericardial disease.
- Accurate diagnosis and timely intervention are crucial for managing equine cardiac conditions.