Pericarditis in horses: 18 cases (1986-1995)

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Cardiology
• Equine Internal Medicine

Background:

• Pericarditis in horses can present with various clinical and echocardiographic findings.
• Understanding the relationships between clinical signs, diagnostic imaging, treatment, and outcomes is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify clinical signs associated with pericarditis in horses.
• To investigate the correlation between clinical signs, echocardiographic results, treatment strategies, and patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 18 horses diagnosed with pericarditis.
• Review of physical examination findings, cardiovascular and respiratory abnormalities.
• Evaluation of echocardiographic data, pericardial effusion characteristics, and cardiac compromise.
• Assessment of treatment modalities including antimicrobials, corticosteroids, and pericardial drainage.

Main Results:

• Common cardiovascular signs included tachycardia, pericardial friction rub, and venous distention.
• Respiratory abnormalities such as dull lung sounds suggestive of pleural effusion were frequent.
• Echocardiography proved essential for diagnosing pericarditis and assessing cardiac compromise.
• Clinical signs of right-sided heart failure correlated significantly with severe pericardial effusion and cardiac compromise.
• Idiopathic and bacterial pericarditis were the most common causes.
• All 14 treated horses recovered and returned to their intended use.

Conclusions:

• Early diagnosis of equine pericarditis is achievable through careful clinical and echocardiographic evaluation.
• Aggressive treatment, including antimicrobials, corticosteroids, and pericardial drainage when necessary, leads to favorable outcomes.
• The prognosis for horses with pericarditis, when detected and treated promptly, is generally good.