Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Pericarditis and pleuritis caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis in a horse.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 2004
- Authors:
- Perkins, Sara L et al.
- Affiliation:
- Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 13-year-old Oldenburg mare was seen by a veterinarian because she was very tired and showed some signs of mild belly pain. The vet found that fluid had built up around her heart, which was causing pressure on it, a condition known as pericardial tamponade. Tests on the fluid revealed that it was infected with a bacteria called Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, which is also responsible for a condition known as pigeon fever. The treatment involved draining the fluid, washing the area, and giving antibiotics and steroids, which successfully helped the mare recover. This case is notable because it is the first time pericarditis (inflammation of the heart's outer layer) linked to this bacteria has been reported in a horse.
Abstract
A 13-year-old Oldenburg mare was evaluated for lethargy and signs of mild colic. Pericardial tamponade caused by fibrinoeffusive pericarditis was diagnosed. Cytologic and biochemical evaluation of pericardial fluid was consistent with a septic effusion. Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, the cause of pigeon fever, was identified by bacteriologic culture of pericardial fluid. Drainage and lavage of the pericardial sac, local (intrapericardial) and systemic antimicrobial treatment, and subsequent corticosteroid treatment resulted in a successful outcome in this horse. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of pericarditis associated with C pseudotuberculosis in a horse.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15074860/