Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Miniature horse filly with laminitis and steatitis recovers after 18
By Johnson, Acacia et al.·Published in The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne·2025·Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Generalized steatitis in a miniature horse filly with laminitis and a positive outcome at 18-month follow-up.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 12-month-old miniature horse filly was brought in for laminitis (painful inflammation of the hooves), suspected lymphangitis (inflammation of the lymph vessels), and fever. Initial tests suggested an infection, but further ultrasound showed signs of generalized steatitis (inflammation of fat tissue), which was confirmed by a tissue sample. After treatment, the filly made a full recovery and showed no signs of illness 18 months later. This case highlights a rare condition in miniature horses and demonstrates that with proper care, recovery is possible.
People also search for: miniature horse laminitis treatment · horse fever symptoms · generalized steatitis in horses
Abstract
A 12-month-old miniature horse filly was presented because of laminitis, suspected lymphangitis, and pyrexia. Although the filly's initial physical examination and diagnostic tests suggested an infectious etiology, ultrasonographic findings were suspicious for generalized steatitis. This was confirmedhistopathology. The filly experienced full recovery with continued resolution of clinical signs at 18 mo after presentation. This case included aspects similar to those of previously reported clinical presentations, as well as long-term follow-up in a breed that is not overrepresented, providing additional documentation of an uncommon condition in a miniature horse in North America. Key clinical message: Generalized steatitis is an uncommon condition in equids in North America. This case provided an example to aid in recognition, diagnosis, and treatment associated with a favorable outcome.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41584239/