Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Fibrinous pericarditis and pericardial effusion in three neonatal foals.
- Journal:
- Australian veterinary journal
- Year:
- 2014
- Authors:
- Armstrong, S K et al.
- Affiliation:
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences · United Kingdom
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
Three young foals, aged between 5 and 10 days, were brought in because they were very tired, had belly pain, and swollen joints. They were diagnosed with fibrinous pericarditis (inflammation of the heart's outer layer) and pericardial effusion (fluid around the heart), likely due to a severe body-wide inflammatory response and possible blood infections. Two of the foals were diagnosed through heart ultrasound and fluid analysis, while the third was diagnosed after it passed away. Although the two foals that received treatment seemed to improve initially, they unfortunately died a few weeks later, and one foal was put to sleep while still in the hospital. This situation shows that foals with severe inflammation and heart issues need careful monitoring and follow-up care.
Abstract
CASE SERIES: Three foals, aged between 5 and 10 days, were presented for assessment of lethargy, abdominal pain and joint effusion. Fibrinous pericarditis and pericardial effusion (PE) were recognised in each foal and considered as sequelae to systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and suspected or confirmed septicaemia. CLINICAL COURSE AND OUTCOME: Diagnosis of pericarditis was made in two foals by echocardiographic examination and analysis of pericardial fluid, and during postmortem examination of the third foal. In both of the foals that underwent pericardiocentesis, PE was an exudate, no bacteria were identified on cytological analysis and bacterial culture was negative. Despite apparent response to treatment, two foals died 2 and 3 weeks, respectively, after discharge from hospital. One foal was euthanased during hospitalisation. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This report highlights the need to consider the development of pericarditis and PE in foals with SIRS and signs of cardiorespiratory dysfunction, and the requirement for protracted follow-up to monitor for clinical resolution.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25179536/