[Aorto-iliac thrombosis in a gelding: treatment with the anticoagulant Phenprocoumon (Marcoumar)].

The research describes a case of aortic-iliac thrombosis in a 14-year old horse which was successfully treated using the anticoagulant Phenprocoumon, under careful monitoring and dosage adjustments. However, the horse had to be euthanized seven months later due to acute colic.

Case Presentation

• The research article discusses a case of aorto-iliac thrombosis, a vascular disease where blood clots form in the major arteries of a horse. The condition was suspected due to intermittent lameness.
• The condition was confirmed using medical imaging techniques like sonography, which allows medical professionals to visualise internal body structures for diagnosing medical conditions.

Treatment with Anticoagulant

• The horse was initially treated with Heparin, a commonly used anticoagulant, which helps to reduce the formation of blood clots. However, as a more long-term solution, treatment was switched to Phenprocoumon (also known as Marcoumar), another anticoagulant medication.
• The dosage of Phenprocoumon was carefully monitored and adjusted based on the horse’s prothrombin time, a measure of how long it takes the blood to clot. Initial doses were prescribed weekly and later doses biweekly, to regulate and maintain an appropriate level of anticoagulation.

Observations and Outcome

• Over the course of the treatment, the horse’s condition improved, as observed through reduced lameness and visible reduction of the thrombus on sonography.
• Despite the successful treatment of the thrombosis, the horse had to be euthanized seven months later due to acute colic, an unrelated gastrointestinal condition.