Aneurysm of the aortic arch and bicarotid trunk in a horse.

The study discusses a case of a 7-year-old Arabian mare with an aortic arch and bicarotid trunk aneurysm. Despite the treatment, there was no perceived clinical improvement, leading to euthanasia.

Case Presentation

• The Arabian mare was admitted because of ventral edema, diarrhea, and progressive weight loss. She had previously experienced severe colic but responded positively to treatment.
• The horse’s condition deteriorated over time with recurring edema, a rough coat, and significant weight loss. Clinical examinations revealed regular but weak pulse, slow perfusion time, engorged jugular veins, and congested mucous membranes.
• Through cardiac examinations, the horse was found to have an abnormally enlarged area of cardiac dullness, particularly on the left side. A grade IV diastolic murmur obscuring heart sounds was discovered through thoracic wall auscultation.

Diagnostic Examinations

• Thoracic radiography revealed pleural effusion and increased alveolar densities, suggesting the presence of pulmonary edema.
• The electrocardiogram results were not noteworthy, but blood tests showed increased globulin, serum glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase, and hydroxybutyric dehydrogenase values.
• The team performed right cardiac catheterization and exposed the left carotid artery surgically to float a similar catheter into the left ventricle. Pressure results are shown in the article’s Table 1.

Treatment and Outcome

• Treatment included digoxin at a dosage of 0.02 mg/kg, taken orally twice a day, and furosemide at 1 mg/kg, administered intramuscularly twice a day.
• However, after five days of treatment, no significant clinical improvement was observed. Hence, the decision was made to euthanize the horse.