A retrospective study of proliferative interstitial lung disease of horses in Florida.

This research looks into a condition known as proliferative interstitial lung disease found in horses in Florida from 1982 to 1985 and suggests a toxic cause despite not being able to identify a specific historical trigger.

Methodology and Findings

• This study is retrospective in nature, meaning it examined existing cases of proliferative interstitial lung disease in horses that were submitted for autopsy between 1982 to 1985.
• The disease was diagnosed in 20 horses. The majority of the affected horses were foals that ranged between 3 days to 6 months old, but six adult horses also showed signs of the disease.
• The appearance of the damage on both a visual (macroscopic) and microscopic level consisted of proliferative interstitial pneumonia, which is similar to atypical interstitial pneumonia found in ruminants (cud-chewing animals like cows).

Implications of the Study

• Despite the symptoms being similar, the exact cause of this lung disorder in horses couldn’t be specified based on the historical information available. Nonetheless, based on the nature of the lesions observed, the researchers suspect a toxic cause.
• The study underscores the need for further investigation to identify the specific toxic elements responsible for the onset of the disease. Such efforts would help in developing effective preventive measures and treatments for horses affected by proliferative interstitial lung disease.
• Moreover, given the fact that this disease was found in both young foals and adult horses, it indicates an environmental factor could be at play. Further research is needed to discover potential environmental triggers.