Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Pleuritis and pneumonia attributed to a conifer twig in a bronchus of a horse.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 1986
- Authors:
- Hultgren, B D et al.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A horse developed serious lung problems, specifically pleuritis (inflammation of the lining around the lungs) and pneumonia, because it inhaled a twig from a conifer tree. When the horse was examined after it passed away, the twig was discovered lodged in a bronchus (a tube that carries air to the lungs) and had caused significant damage to the lungs and surrounding area. This case suggests that inhaling plant material, like twigs, might be a more frequent cause of lung inflammation than we previously thought. Careful examination during post-mortem evaluations is essential to identify such issues.
Abstract
A conifer twig was responsible for severe fibrinopyogranulomatous adhesive pleuritis and pneumonia in a horse. At necropsy, the twig was found in a terminal bronchus and extended into the lung parenchyma, through the pleura, and into the accumulated exudate. Inhalation of plant material may be a more common cause of pleuritis than previously recognized. Meticulous examination at necropsy would be necessary to make the diagnosis.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3533869/