Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Hepatic abscesses in three horses.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 2000
- Authors:
- Sellon, D C et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
Three adult horses were found to have liver abscesses. Two of these horses were younger than four years and also had other immune-related health issues, such as joint inflammation and low blood platelets. Factors that may have contributed to their liver problems included previous abdominal surgery and certain digestive conditions. Blood tests showed some abnormalities, but liver enzyme levels were mostly normal. Unfortunately, despite receiving intensive medical care, all three horses had to be euthanized because their conditions continued to worsen and their outlook was poor.
Abstract
Hepatic abscesses were diagnosed in 3 adult horses. Two were < 4 years old and had evidence of concurrent immune-mediated conditions, including aseptic arthritis, immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, and immune-mediated anemia. Predisposing factors for hepatic abscess formation in these horses included prior abdominal surgery, proximal duodenitis/jejunitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and a penetrating foreign body in the large colon. Serum hepatic enzyme activities were within or slightly greater then reference limits in all 3 horses. The most pronounced and consistent abnormalities on CBC and serum biochemical analyses were hyperproteinemia, hyperglobulinemia, and a decreased albumin-to-globulin concentration ratio. Hepatic ultrasonography identified hepatic abscesses in all 3 horses. A variety of bacteria were isolated from these abscesses, including Staphylococus aureus and Bacteroides fragilis. One horse developed septic tibiotarsal arthritis, presumably as a result of intermittent bacteremia. Despite aggressive medical treatment, all horses were euthanatized because of a worsening condition and poor prognosis.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22570901/