Abdominal abscesses in adult horses: 61 cases (1993-2008).

The research article investigates the signs, diagnostic methods, treatment, and outcomes of abdominal abscesses in adult horses, using data collected from Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital over 15 years.

Research Methodology

• The researchers meticulously studied medical records of 61 adult horses treated for abdominal abscesses at the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital from 1993 to 2008.
• Various information was documented, which included the breed and age of the horses, their clinical symptoms, diagnosis methods, treatment options used, as well as the short and long-term outcomes of their treatment.
• Furthermore, the researchers attempted to determine the risk factors influencing the survival rate.

Findings

• A wide range of clinical signs were shown, such as colic (67%), fever (46%), lack of appetite (51%), signs of depression (57%), tachycardia (46%), and weight loss (30%).
• Diagnostic methods included abdominal ultrasonography, exploratory celiotomy, palpation per rectum, and necropsy.
• The abdominal abscesses varied significantly in size, location, and number.

Survival Rate and Risk Factors

• The survival rate was quite low, with only 15 (24.6%) out of the 61 horses surviving until discharge.
• Bacterial isolates from aspirates of the abscesses were diverse, and severe abdominal adhesion, a probable aftermath of the abscess, was a common occurrence that impacted survival rates.
• The researchers identified age and heart rate at admission as key risk factors influencing the survival of the horses.

Conclusion

• The researchers concluded that adult horses with abdominal abscesses frequently suffer from severe adhesion formation.
• The abscess usually hosts multiple bacterial isolates and the prognosis for survival is considered guarded.