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Peer-reviewed veterinary case report

Mycoplasma felis pleuritis in two show-jumper horses.

Journal:
The Cornell veterinarian
Year:
1992
Authors:
Hoffman, A M et al.
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical Studies · Canada
Species:
horse

Plain-English summary

Two show-jumping horses were found to have pleuritis, which is inflammation of the lining around the lungs, caused by a bacteria called Mycoplasma felis. Both horses had a buildup of fluid around their lungs that was high in protein and white blood cells, and tests showed that the bacteria was present in the fluid. They also had changes in their blood that indicated an immune response to the bacteria and a decrease in antibodies against equine influenza virus. After draining the fluid and giving them fluids, antibiotics, and pain relief, both horses improved and their symptoms resolved.

Abstract

Mycoplasma felis was identified as the cause of acute pleuritis in 2 show-jumping horses. The pleural exudate was proteinaceous, contained large numbers of neutrophils, and had a markedly increased lactate concentration. M. felis was isolated in pure culture from pleural fluid. Rising serum antibody titers to M. felis as well as a precipitous decline in titers to equine influenza virus were demonstrated in both horses. Pleural effusion in both horses and a pneumothorax detected in one of the horses resolved following a single drainage of pleural fluid and intravenous fluid, antibiotic, and analgesic therapy.

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Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1623728/